Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre of Developmental Neurobiology - INTERNAL ONLY - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre of Developmental Neurobiology - INTERNAL ONLY - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS

THIS VACANCY IS OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

About us

At the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology (CDN), we investigate the mechanisms governing the formation of the brain during embryonic development and in early postnatal life. This is based on the understanding that early experience shapes the way our brain is constructed. While the “ground plan” of the brain is genetically determined, it is also influenced by environmental experience. We are still far from a complete understanding of how these processes work.

CDN is one of four departments in the School of Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and is located at Guy’s campus. Researchers have access to support facilities in genotyping, molecular biology and Drosophila work. CDN has close partnership with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and CDN researchers, together with clinical researchers from King’s, make up the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated scientist with expertise in neurodevelopment to investigate the cellular mechanisms regulating the emergence of network activity in the developing mouse cortex, under the supervision of Prof Oscar Marín.

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 31/12/2026.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Developmen t for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in Neuroscience
2. At least one first-author publication in a scientific journal
3. Proven postdoctoral research experience
4. Experience performing 2-photon calcium imaging in vivo
5. Experience with spatial transcriptomics

Desirable criteria

1. Background in mammalian cerebral cortex development
2. Background in programmed cell death

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6*

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.