Postdoctoral Scientist / Career Development Fellow - Data Scientist

Fixed-term 3 years 

An opportunity is available for a Data Scientist in connectomics to join the group of Dr Albert Cardona at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) - https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/group-leaders/a-to-g/albert-cardona/  - to implement and execute pipelines for automated neuronal arbor reconstruction and synapse detection in volume electron microscopy. 

The research programme of the Cardona group is to understand how the nervous system operates as an integrated whole. The lab has so far studied how the structure of a specific neural circuit relates to its function, both in health and in disease. Previous work has shown some aspects of how specific circuits work, such as circuits for learning and memory, for processing visual, olfactory, chemical, mechanical or noxius stimulus. But relating all circuits to each other requires understanding how output signals from independent circuit modules are integrated and used as inputs for further, downstream circuits, ultimately leading to circuits that implement the choice of a single, coherent behavioural response in exclusion to all possible others. To investigate how the outputs of one circuit are the inputs to another, while overcoming inter-individual variability, we must map at nanometre scale complete nervous systems. 

We are looking for a motivated and skilled individual who will thrive in a highly collaborative and supportive research group. You should have a background on computer science, engineering, math, physics or a similar technical field, with experience in connectomics and a passion for the mapping and analysis of neural wiring diagrams. 

The successful applicant will be awarded a 3-year Career Development Fellowship / Postdoctoral Training Scheme position.  This is a training and development position for a post-doctoral scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. The MRC LMB has excellent scientific core facilities and training opportunities. 

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Albert Cardona at acardona@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk . Additional information about the Neurobiology Division and the laboratory as a whole can be found at http://www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk . 

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology is a research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  UKRI 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 www.ukri.org . 

Working for UKRI MRC provides a whole host of benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement (40 ½ days including bank holidays and privilege days) and Benenden Healthcare membership.  You will also have access to employee shopping / travel discounts, on site sport and social facilities, as well as salary sacrifice cycle to work schemes and childcare vouchers. 

To apply and access full details of the vacancy please visit our job board at https://mrc.tal.net/vx/appcentre-int/candidate/post/2964/en-GB . 

If you are unable to apply online please contact us at recruit@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk . 

Closing date: 14 December 2020 

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening. 

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer who participates in the Disability Confident scheme.