Employer: MRC
Website: http://www.mrc.ac.uk
Location: Cambridge, Britain
Type: Postdoctoral
Posted: October 19, 2011
Expires: November 16, 2011
Jobs by tag(s): medical research council Cambridge britain
Requisition number: IRC33814
job description
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge

Postdoctoral Scientist – SYNAPTIC FUNCTION IN THE RETINA

Cambridge
£26,022 to £28,178 per annum

We are studying the synaptic processing of visual information in the retina using multiphoton microscopy and electrophysiology. We have recently developed fluorescent reporter proteins for monitoring calcium influx and vesicle fusion in synaptic terminals and are using these to monitor synaptic activity in large populations of neurons within the intact circuit (Dreosti et al., 2009, Nature Methods, 6, 883-889; Dreosti et al., 2011, Nature Neuroscience 14, 951-952). Our overall aim is to understand how neurons and synapses in the inner retina contribute to the processing of information contained within a visual stimulus.

This position is in the laboratory of Leon Lagnado in the Neurobiology Division at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge (www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk). We will move into a new state-of-the-art building in 2012. We work collaboratively, and projects involve a combination of electrophysiology, multiphoton microscopy and molecular biology. Experience in at least two of these techniques is required, together with the desire to learn the other. Current projects use zebrafish and previous experience with this organism would be a distinct advantage. Candidates should have a PhD in Neuroscience or be due to complete doctoral studies within 6 months of applying.

Informal enquiries can be addressed directly to Leon, e-mail: LL1@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk

The successful candidate will be awarded an MRC Career Development Fellowship until 30th November 2013. This is a training and development position for a postdoctoral scientist who has recently completed doctoral studies or is moving into a new research discipline.

Your salary will be supported by 30 days annual leave entitlement, an optional MRC final salary pension scheme and excellent on-site sports and social facilities.

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at https://ext.ssc.rcuk.ac.uk and complete an online application form. Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, Please quote reference number IRC33814.

Closing date: 16/11/2011

Final appointments will be subject to a pre employment screening
The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer