MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2646

Overall purpose:

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral research scientist to work on a project in cancer metabolism and transporter biology in the Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism group (headed by Louise Fets), at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London.

We have interests in both cancer metabolism and pharmacology/drug distribution, with a particular focus on the role played by membrane transporters at the intersection between these two fields (Alam et al., DMM, 2023, Moncayo et al., BioRXiv, 2025). We have previously shown that transporter-dependent drug accumulation can have implications for drug response (Fets et al., Nat Chem Biol, 2018; Comms Biol, 2022). It is clear that transporters also shape metabolism, and their heterogeneous expression at both the inter-patient and intra-tumoural level can also have knock-on implications for drug response in cancer. With guidance from Dr Fets, the successful candidate will develop and lead a project that explores at the mechanistic level how transporter-driven metabolic changes influence drug response and drive drug resistance in cancer.

The ideal candidate will have a background in cancer metabolism, cellular metabolism, transporter biology and/or related fields. Prior experience in metabolomics and cancer cell biology are highly desirable. The position is available to be filled summer 2025, but the candidate is required to be in post by end of September 2025.

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

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

Essential:

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in cancer metabolism, cellular metabolism 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: metabolic approaches, cell biology, molecular biology

Desirable:

Expertise in GC-MS or LC-MS metabolomics, especially if in combination with stable isotope labelling Experience immunofluorescence and live cell imaging 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 cancer metabolism and transporter biology 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

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