View Vacancy -- Data Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Marco Tripodi - LMB 2037

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies.  The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease.  We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

Overall purpose: 

To work within the group of Dr Marco Tripodi at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).  Specifically, we are seeking a candidate with a background in software/electronic engineering or equivalent experience.  The ideal candidate will have a Master degree in one of the following, computer science, physics, maths, engineering. Experience in software and hardware design and an interest in neuroscience is desirable, although no formal experience in neuroscience is required. Excellent programming skills (e.g. Python, C++, Matlab, Lab View) and experience with signal processing are essential. One of the main tasks of the candidate will be to interface hardware and software with the aim to develop new tools to record/visualize neuronal activity and to probe animal behaviour. An additional aspect of the work will be to implement signal-processing routines in the context of the study of neuronal function as well as the analysis of large image dataset from whole brain imaging. 

Main duties:

•    To undertake research aimed at characterize the contribution of canonical motor circuits to spatial cognition
•    To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
•    To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
•    To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field. 
•    To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
•    To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.

Key responsibilities:

Within the overall direction of the programme, the group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a 3-year lifespan. 

To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.

To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.

To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.

To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme. 

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Marco Tripodi 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 3-year training and development position for a Data Scientist. We support scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

•    MRC training courses.
•    External training and personal development courses.
•    One-to-one training with your Supervisor and other Scientists.

You will commit to undertaking the following:
•    Developing and following a personal development plan.
•    Attending training courses.
•    Identifying additional training which will support you to develop your career.

Academic qualifications: 

A Master degree in one of the following: computer science, physics, math, engineering or due to complete it within 6 months.

Technical skills and expertise:

Essential:
Background in computer vision and machine learning, or a closely related field.  The ideal candidate will have a mixed background of mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science or a related field.

Experience in software engineering, particularly with python, and the crafting of programs and pipelines using libraries such torch, scikit-learn, and related machine learning libraries.

Experience in SQL. 

Desirable:
Experience in GPU-based computing

Experience with running programs in CPU and GPU clusters, debugging them, collating results.

Experience in systems administration, backup, version control, and data management.

General neuroscience knowledge.

Track record of research:

This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of: 

•    Commitment.
•    Originality.
•    Ability to communicate.
•    Working with others.