View Vacancy MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2613 Open Date 28/04/2025, 10:30 Close Date 14/05/2025, 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 at www.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, and £1,800 in the third year. Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 3 Years Job Description Overall purpose: The Single Molecule Imaging Group works at the intersection of single molecule imaging, biophysics, mechanobiology and cellular biology to explore the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. The group uses single-molecule fluorescence and mechanical manipulation with optical tweezers to analyse the interaction of proteins and DNA/RNA, elucidate their dynamics and elucidating molecular mechanisms. We use additional interdisciplinary approaches to investigate these mechanisms across scales (from molecules to cells). We are seeking a talented postdoctoral research scientist with a background in single-molecule biophysics and optical tweezers. The post holder will be a key member of our team developing protocols to analyse the mechanical properties of mitotic chromosomes. The work will involve developing sophisticated polymer modelling and cutting-edge cellular biology approaches to tackle challenging and timely questions about the structure and biomechanical properties of chromosomes and their relationship to gene-function and epigenetic memory. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work in a diverse team that brings together physicists, chemists and biologists to work on problems that are key to human health. There are excellent opportunities for development and training. We offer excellent mentoring and support to reach your career goals. The post holder will have the opportunity to liaise with an extensive network of collaborators, attend scientific conferences, and publish the results of their work in leading journals. Key skills: Background in mechanobiology Experience of performing optical tweezers experiment Previous work on biopolymer mechanics Excellent programming skills (ideally in Python) Knowledge of fluorescence Working knowledge of epigenetics Main Responsibilities: To develop protocols to mechanically stretch purified mitotic chromosomes To develop data and image analysis pipelines of the mechanical stretching experiments To work with our collaborators and purify mitotic chromosome To develop innovative solutions to investigate the mechanics of chromosomes To prepare work for publication and grant submissions To present at seminars and conferences, as necessary To co-supervise MSc and PhD students Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand To contribute to the smooth running of the Group's/Unit's laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, 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, College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division Person Specification Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form): Essential: PhD (or equivalent experience) in Biophysics or a closely related discipline Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview): Essential: Excellent skills in single-molecule biophysics and biopolymer mechanics Previous experience of optical tweezers data analysis especially worm-like chain or freely-jointed chain models Previous experience in single-molecule data analysis and imaging with a track record of relevant publications and presentations Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication Desirable: Previous experience with Lumicks' C-traps Experience of working with Pylake Experience in working with Juniper notebooks Good knowledge of GitHub Knowledge of statistics including regression modelling and controlling for multiple testing Track record of software development and package creation 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 direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the internet 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 undertake any necessary training for the role Further Information Applicants should submit a CV, names and contacts of two scientific references along with a cover letter stating why you are applying for this role (providing evidence against the requirements of the job as per the job description and person specification). Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted. Please quote reference number LMS 2613 This role qualifies for endorsement by UKRI for a UK Global Talent Visa, for which the successful applicant is likely to be eligible to apply. We will also reimburse the cost of visa application (terms and conditions apply). 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.