View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2650
Open Date27/06/2025, 10:00 /*generated inline style */Close Date/*generated inline style */ 22/07/2025, 23:55 /*generated inline style */ Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences /*generated inline style */ Research Institute / Unit Information
where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Funded by the MRCas part of UK Research and Innovation, the LMS has a collaborative working culture and new state-of-the-art building based in the heart of West London in the Hammersmith Hospital Campus (W12).
The LMS aims to deliver transdisciplinary team science, in synergistic interaction with Imperial College and the wider national research environment. Part of achieving this, is to recruit new talent and support postdoctoral scientists to become world leaders in their area of science.
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/*generated inline style */ Band MRC - 4 /*generated inline style */ Location London /*generated inline style */ Salary £41,344 plus London allowances £5,385 per annum /*generated inline style */ Allowances Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 lump sum Settlement Allowance plus a yearly Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, paid in monthly instalments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two, terms and conditions apply. /*generated inline style */ Contract Type Fixed Term /*generated inline style */ Job Type Science /*generated inline style */ Full Time / Part Time Full Time /*generated inline style */ Contract Length 18 Months /*generated inline style */ Job Description
Overall Purpose
Research Programme
The Reprogramming and Chromatin group led by Prof Petra Hajkovainvestigates molecular processes that underlie global erasure of epigenetic information.As in vitro cellular reprogramming systems are notoriously inefficient and heterogeneous in outcome, we focus on the epigenetic reprogramming events that occur naturally in vivo during mouse development (in the mouse zygote and in the developing mouse germ cells) (). We have a particular interest in deciphering themechanisms underlying the waves of global DNA demethylation(Amouroux et al, 2016, Hill et al, Nature 2018; Huang et al, Nature 2021) and thechanges in chromatin structurethat accompanies this process.
Purpose of Post
The focus of this project is to implement and optimise new epigenome mapping approaches developed by our collaborators at New England Biolabs (team lead by Dr Sriharsa Pradhan) for use on gametes, early mouse embryos and minute biological samples. The post holder will be expected to be technically skilled and to lead the interactions between the two collaborative teams. In addition, the ideal candidate will be expected to be involved in the supervision of PhD and MSc/MRes students in the laboratory.
This project is funded through the MRC Business Engagement fund (BEF) to promote interaction with Industry.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
To take initiatives in the planning of research To direct the work of small research teams To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data To conduct data analysis To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings To write reports for submission to research sponsors To present findings to colleagues and at conferences To submit publications to refereed journals To provide guidance to staff and students To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the Institute To provide guidance to PhD Students Contribute to bids for research grants To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand To collaborate with other allied scientists within Institute and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required To comply with the Institute safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group
Working relationships:
The post-holder will report directly to the head of the group, Professor Petra Hajkova.
Additional information:
This post is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist to support post-doctoral training and help establish successful research scientists in their chosen field. During the fellowship tenure we are committed to provide mentorship for career development and improvement of communication skills.
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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application):
Essential:
PhD degree (or the equivalent experience) in a biological or related discipline
Desirable:
UK Home Office personal licence (PIL) for work with rodents
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application and at the interview):
Essential:
Proven experience in the field of epigenetics and chromatin
Solid background in molecular biology
Technical prowess and desire to develop and optimise new NGS approaches
Extensive experience with cell lines and mouse primary cell culture techniques
Experience with culture of mouse pluripotent stem cells
Knowledge of relevant biochemical and molecular biology research methods and statistical procedures
Good written communication skills in English
Desirable:
Experience with derivation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Experience with isolation, manipulation and culture of mouse oocytes and early mouse preimplantation embryos
Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
Evidence of organisational ability
Good verbal communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively with researchers ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
IT literate and familiar with basic methods for sequence and image analysis
Desirable:
A highly committed individual with proactive and flexible attitude to work
The ability and willingness to learn new concepts and technologies rapidly
The ability to work under pressure in the competitive field
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