Job Specifications
Open Date
30/01/2026, 08:00
Close Date
15/02/2026, 23:55
Research Institute
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Research Institute / Unit Information
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.
There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.
The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at
Band
MRC - 4
Location
Cambridge
Salary
£42,694 per annum
Contract Type
Fixed Term
Job Type
Science
Full Time / Part Time
Full Time
Contract Length
2 years
Job Description
Overall purpose:
To work within the group of Dr Albert Cardona at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at studying the neural circuit basis of behaviour. Specifically, to map the synaptic wiring diagram, or connectome, of whole brains, using machine learning approaches to computer vision, in a disease animal model.
In order to compare the connectome across different experimental conditions, developmental stages, and strains or species, we must first measure the natural variability, by mapping the connectome across multiple individuals and statistically quantifying the individual differences from the common subset. Mapping the first connectome manually with computer-assisted means took 10 years and the effort of dozens of laboratories. Today, the knowledge acquired, the existence of one mapped connectome to act as reference, the fact that the larval fly brain is composed of stereotyped and uniquely identifiable neurons, plus machine learning approaches to computer vision, offers the opportunity to automatically map many connectomes across many animals, and therefore study how connectomes vary in development, in disease, and across closely related species. Identifying the differences across conditions will help understand the relation between neuronal circuit structure and function. The candidate will conduct a research project in applying new automated approaches to connectome mapping at scale to many brain volumes of both wild-type and disease models in fruit fly larvae.
Main Duties:
To undertake research aimed at developing new techniques for automated mapping of connectomes from volume electron microscopy.
To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
To contribute to the LMB's mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.
Key Responsibilities:
Within the overall direction of the programme, the group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a two-year lifespan.
To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.
To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.
To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.
To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
To contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
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