View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist/Lab Manager LMS 2666
Open Date
11/07/2025, 10:00
Close Date
12/08/2025, 23:55
Research Institute
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
Research Institute / Unit Information
The LMS is a world-class research laboratory where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Funded by the MRC as 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.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found atwww.ukri.org
Band
MRC - 4
Location
London
Salary
£41,344 plus London allowances £5,385 per annum
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
Contract Type
Fixed Term
Job Type
Science
Full Time / Part Time
Full Time
Contract Length
2 years (with a possibility of extension)
Job Description
Overall purpose:
To advance our understanding ofgenome architecture and epigenetic regulationusing cutting-edgesingle-cell and multi-omics technologies.
About the Laboratory:
The Vaquerizas Laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences is internationally recognised for pioneering research in 3D genome organisation, epigenomics and single-cell multiomics (e.g., Hug et al., Cell 2017; Galan et al., Nature Genetics 2020; Ing-Simmons et al., Nature Genetics 2021). Our most recent work focuses on understanding key processes in human and mouse development, male infertility, and epitranscriptomics, using cutting-edge genomic and transcriptomic technologies.
We take a multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, genomics, computational biology, and systems-level analyses to address fundamental biological questions. The lab fosters a collaborative and supportive research environment, encouraging independent scientific growth and offering access to state-of-the-art core facilities and comprehensive training opportunities.
Thematic Research Interests:
- Single-cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics
- 3D genome architecture and nuclear organisation
- Epigenomics and epitranscriptomics in development and disease
- Model systems including human, mouse, flies, worm and beyond
- Personal research interests and innovative ideas within these themes are strongly encouraged
About the Role:
This hybrid role combines active research with responsibilities that support laboratory operations, such as overseeing organisation, procurement, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance. The candidate will have the opportunity to pursue their own research within the lab's focus areas while helping maintain a productive and well-functioning lab environment. The role may also involve mentoring junior lab members and contributing to grant writing and protocol development.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
- Design, plan, and conduct high-quality, independent research aligned with the project aims
- Critically analyse, interpret, and present experimental data with scientific rigor and reproducibility
- Develop, refine, and implement experimental methods, protocols, and analytical techniques
- Stay current with relevant scientific literature and integrate new findings and methodologies into ongoing research
- Collaborate effectively with internal lab members and external partners, including participation in interdisciplinary projects
- Provide mentorship, training, and guidance to junior researchers and PhD students
- Contribute to the academic life of the institute by attending and participating in lab meetings, journal clubs, and seminar programmes
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and meetings
- Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals
- Support the smooth running of the laboratory by contributing to shared responsibilities and day-to-day operations
- Support the preparation of research grant applications, including contributing to the development of proposals and gathering preliminary data
Additional information:
These are MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist positions designed to support postdoctoral training and help establish successful research careers. During the fellowship, we are committed to providing mentorship for career development, including support for communication skills, grant writing, and scientific leadership.
We offer a highly attractive benefits package, including a competitive salary and pension scheme, as well as access to world-class research facilities and training programmes.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
- PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, developmental biology, genetics), or in the final stages of completing a PhD
Previous work experience required(will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential :
- Strong research background in relevant techniques
Desirable:
- Previous postdoctoral experience
- Experience or willingness to undertake lab managerial tasks
- Experience with single-cell multiomics, spatial transcriptomics, or 3D genome technologies
Knowledge and experience(will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential :
- Strong conceptual understanding of genomics, gene regulation, developmental biology, computational biology approaches
- Experience in generating high-quality figures for publication
- Excellent written communication skills in English
Desirable:
- First-author publication or pre-print
- Experience in assembling manuscripts for publication
- Experience presenting scientific data at national or international conferences
Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities(will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
- Enthusiastic and motivated, with a genuine interest in scientific discovery and learning
- Independent research capability, including the ability to manage and drive projects autonomously
- Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment
- Eagerness to learn, particularly in computational and analytical approaches
- Creativity and problem-solving skills, especially when troubleshooting complex challenges
- Excellent verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently
- Good interpersonal skills, including the willingness to give and receive help and feedback
- Commitment to knowledge sharing and mentoring within the group
- Highly organised and diligent, with strong attention to detail
- Adaptability and openness to integrating new techniques and collaborating across disciplines
Further Information
Applicants should submit one CV, a brief cover letter describing how the candidate fits the person specifications and motivation for the post and names and contacts of two scientific references. Please quote reference numberLMS 2666.
Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
