Scientific Researcher
Salary £40,832 per annum
Fixed term, 12 months
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
An opportunity is available for a Scientific Researcher to join the group of Dr Jing Ren at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Cambridge, U.K.) to map the serotonin circuit development by tissue clearing and expansion microscopy.
The serotonin (5-HT) system is essential for brain development and is closely linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as anxiety and depression. While serotonergic axons reach most forebrain regions by birth, their maturation involves region- and time-specific innervation that extends into adolescence. Our lab has used whole-brain tissue clearing, light-sheet imaging, and machine learning to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of serotonin axon development. However, these methods lack the resolution needed to analyse axon branching and synapse formation. This project aims to establish a high-resolution imaging pipeline by incorporating expansion microscopy (ExM) into our existing workflow. The goal is to visualise serotonergic wiring at subcellular resolution across developmental stages, enabling analysis of how circuit assembly is altered when crucial wiring regulators are disrupted. This work will lay the foundation for linking abnormal serotonin wiring to the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will thrive in a friendly and supportive group. Candidates must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) due to be complete within 6 months in neuroscience, psychiatry or a related field. Basic biochemistry and molecular biology skillsets are required. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with advanced microscope working training. Rodent working experience, especially mouse genetics training, is preferred.
LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have on-site parking, cycle enclosures and excellent public transport links to the site. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications.
The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.
Closing date: 07/09/2025
Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.
We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; recruit@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.
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