MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2642

Overall purpose:

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral research scientist to work on a project in epigenetics and transposable element biology in the Chromatin and Development group (headed by Michelle Percharde), at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London.

We previously discovered that the transposon, LINE1, is essential in mouse embryonic stem cells and embryos, highlighting unexpected roles for transposons in development (Percharde et al., Cell 2018). We have recently described new nucleolar chromatin-based mechanisms in development for transposon regulation (Xie et al., Genes Dev 2022), have defined new roles for transposon co-option in early mouse development (Chammas et al., Biorxiv 2024, in revision), and have revealed new mechanisms to uncouple transposon expression from harmful pathology, such as innate immune activation (Garcia-Llagostera et al., Biorxiv 2025). With guidance from Dr Percharde, the successful candidate will develop and lead a project from within these topics, for example relating to nucleolar chromatin or transposon biology.

The ideal candidate will have a background in genome regulation, mammalian development, transposable element biology and/or related fields. Prior experience in human pluripotent cell culture and in performing high-throughput genomic techniques and developing or implementing new techniques is desirable. The position is available to be filled summer 2025, but the start date can be flexible.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims Take initiatives in the planning of research Write reports for submission to research sponsors Submit publications to refereed journals Provide guidance to staff and students Contribute to bids for research grants Conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision Maintain highly organised and accurate record of work To attend project and related research group meetings To interact and collaborate with group members Write-up and publication of work in peer-reviewed journals To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations Presentation of data at national and international meetings To form good working relationships with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators To assist others and co-supervise students when required

/*generated inline style */ Person Specification

Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):

Essential:

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in gene regulation, chromatin biology, development or a related biological field

Desirable:

A first-author publication, preprint or manuscript in preparation for imminent submission 

Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

Evidence that the candidate can plan and carry on a research project Extensive wet lab experience in techniques relating to at least one of: molecular biology, genomics, chromatin profiling and transposon biology

Desirable:

Expertise in human pluripotent cell (iPSC/ESC) tissue culture and manipulations Experience producing libraries for chromatin analysis (eg, ATAC-seq, C&R, C&T) Interest in and proven experience of developing or implementing new techniques in the lab Experience in handling and bioinformatics analysis of ‘omics datasets Evidence of actively contributing to or driving scientific collaborations

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

Excellent written communication skills in English A strong interest in genome regulation, chromatin, transposable elements and development Demonstration of creative approaches to problem solving

Desirable:

Strong publication record and exposure to scientific meetings

Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

Essential:

Ability to conduct reproducible research Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature Ability to develop and apply new concepts Creative approach to problem-solving Excellent verbal communication skills in English and the ability to deal with a wide range of people Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative Flexible attitude towards work Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times Willingness to work out of normal working hours if the requirements of the project demand Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role

/*generated inline style */