Job Details
* Open Date: 25/02/2026, 08:00
* Close Date: 25/03/2026, 23:55
* Institution: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
* Band: MRC - 5
* Location: Cambridge
* Salary: £31,916 - £36,495 per annum
* Contract Type: Fixed Term (9 Months)
* Job Type: Science
* Full/Part Time: Full Time (part‑time or flexible hours may be considered)
Job Description
Overall purpose: To work within the group of Dr Madeline Lancaster at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding brain development in cerebral organoids. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate human‑specific differences in neuronal differentiation and maturation.
The human brain is larger and more complex than that of other mammals, but how these differences arise is still unclear. We are using brain organoids, an in‑vitro model of developing brain tissue, to investigate this question and to identify fundamental differences that set the human brain apart. In particular, we have discovered key differences in how human neurons grow axons to build longer‑range connections than mice. We are now exploring the molecular mechanisms of these differences and aim to test these in various other contexts including neural stem cells.
Main Duties / key Responsibilities
* To undertake research aimed at uncovering human‑specific mechanisms underlying differences in differentiating axons.
* To perform a range of support duties that may include some but not necessarily all of:
o Maintaining organoids and cell lines in culture
o Microscopic analyses of organoids and neurons
o Molecular methods generating tools and reagents to support the project
* To present information on research progress and outcomes as appropriate.
* To conduct literature and database searches.
* To contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
To plan and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor and other members of the project team.
To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
Working Relationships
You will report to Dr Madeline Lancaster and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.
Additional Information
This is a full‑time position, but part‑time or flexible hours may be considered. The applicant must be available to start late March/early April 2026.
Person Specification
Academic Qualifications
* Essential: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science, informatics, engineering or mathematics.
* Desirable: Relevant Masters or equivalent bioinformatic experience.
Previous work experience required
* Basic understanding of molecular and cell biology.
* Experience of basic tissue culture skills/techniques (e.g. splitting cells, sterile culture technique).
Desirable
* Previous experience in an area of neuroscience and/or developmental biology.
* Experimental techniques relevant to the role, which could include (but not limited to):
o Stem cell culture techniques
o Tissue histological approaches such as cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry
o Confocal microscopy
Knowledge And Experience
Creativity and initiative
* Essential: Ability to plan and carry out experiments, collate and analyse data; understanding of lab health and safety.
* Desirable: Practical experience of running and maintaining scientific equipment.
Independent working
* Essential: Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.
* Desirable: Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods.
Further Information
You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:
* Code of Conduct
* Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
* Health and Safety policy
* Data Protection policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co‑operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re‑run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world‑class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more -
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre‑employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re‑run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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