Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an exciting collaborative project, funded by the BBSRC, led by Matthias Landgraf in the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, (https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/people/matthias-landgraf) together with Marco Sciacovelli at the University of Liverpool (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/marco-sciacovelli). The focus of the project are critical periods of nervous system development. These are windows of increased plasticity that enable neuronal networks to tune appropriately, based on sensory and environmental stimuli. However, when this process is perturbed, it leads to permanently maladjusted networks that affect behaviour and stability. In humans, sub-optimal critical period experiences are thought responsible for several neurodevelopmental conditions, including Schizophrenia, and forms of epilepsy. This project challenges our current understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of critical period plasticity by proposing metabolic signals and metabolic reprogramming as central to this developmental process. The successful candidate will work with a powerful insect experimental model that we have developed: the locomotor network of the Drosophila embryo and larva. They will combine genetic and pharmacological approaches with imaging (of genetically encoded, fluorescent metabolite sensors), and integrate transcriptomics and metabolomics (targeted LC-MS and isotope tracing) data to analyse metabolic changes. Behavioural (seizure susceptibility and larval crawling) and anatomical observations (synaptic growth) will inform how metabolic reprogramming during the critical period leads to lasting phenotypic changes. We seek a new team member, based in the Department of Zoology in Cambridge, who is excited by neuroscience and how metabolism intersects with development. While primarily a "wet-lab" position, you should be comfortable with some bioinformatics analyses and data science of omics data. We value creativity, interdisciplinarity, curiosity, collaboration and inclusiveness. We offer a supportive, team-oriented research environment with opportunities for cutting-edge techniques and for addressing fundamental questions about how appropriate function emerges during late stages of nervous system development. For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document Deadline for applications is midnight on 14 September 2026. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 5 October 2026 (subject to change). Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for up to 36 months (3 years). Preferred start date between November 2026 and January 2027. Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Professor Matthias Landgraf [email: ml10006@cam.ac.uk] If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Zoology HR Office [email: hr@zoo.cam.ac.uk] Please quote reference PF50636 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.