Laboratory Research Officer - Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology Laboratory

Laboratory Research Officer - Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology Laboratory

Reports to: Andreas Schaefer. Closing Date: 13/Nov/.59 GMT. Working pattern: This is a full time, fixed term (1 year) contract position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. Salary for this role: From £31,695 with benefits, subject to skills and experience. Salary: From £31,695 per annum with benefits, subject to skills and experience. Application closing date: 13th of November 2026 at 23:59.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state of the art infrastructure, cutting edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

The Research Group

This role supports research investigating how the brain processes smells and converts them into signals that drive behaviour in mice. The postholder will work under the supervision of Dr Olivia Pedroncini in the Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology group led by Prof Andreas Schaefer. The lab investigates how olfactory information is processed and represented in the brain, using a variety of techniques ranging from physiological approaches such as electrophysiology and calcium imaging to connectomics and the development of novel neurotechnologies.

The Project

This project investigates how mice use odour cues to locate rewards while foraging, with a focus on understanding which aspects of complex odour environments influence decision making and when animals rely most on smell. The role will involve conducting behavioural experiments, analysing data and applying computational modelling to better understand olfactory guided behaviour. This work will form part of a broader research programme exploring how sensory information is encoded by neural circuits and how these circuits generate adaptive behaviour.

What you will be doing

• Conduct behavioural experiments in freely moving mice, including training animals on olfactory foraging tasks
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of behavioural data acquisition and analysis pipelines
• Maintain accurate and well organised experimental records
• Present research findings at internal lab meetings and seminars

About you

• Undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent research experience)
• Hands on experience with animal research
• Prior exposure to neuroscience laboratory techniques
• Interest in systems neuroscience and/or olfactory processing
• Experience handling large datasets
• Experience with data analysis, ideally in Python
• Minimum criteria

We welcome the responsible use of AI as a tool to support your application, but we ask that it is used to enhance your own experience, ideas and achievements, rather than replace them.

About Working at the Crick

Our values Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick's mission and shaping our culture. We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We're not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We're highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply.

What will you receive?

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well being: 24/7 GP consultation services. Occupational health services and mental health support programs. Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Back up care for dependents. Childcare support allowance. Annual leave purchase options. Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.
• Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike to work scheme, and shopping discounts. Subsidised on site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute researching the biology underlying human health. At the Crick, scientists and staff collaborate to stretch the very limits of what we know about how life works. Our work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Francis Crick Institute is a charity, founded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London.