View Vacancy MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2711 Open Date 04/09/2025, 00:00 Close Date 24/09/2025, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences Research Institute / Unit Information The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) is a biomedical research institute where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. LMS is one of three directly funded MRC research institutes and enjoys close links with our partners at Imperial College London and at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. 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 structural biology and biochemistry. The post holder will be a key member of our team investigating the structural mechanism of ATP-dependent chromatin remodellers. The work will involve the expression and purification of chromatin remodelling complexes, with the aim of obtaining high-resolution single-particle cryo-electron microscopy structures to reveal functional mechanistic insights into how these chromatin remodelling complexes operate. 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 Structural biology and Biochemistry Experience with expressing and purifying multi-subunit protein complexes Experience of performing cryo-electron microscopy experiments Experience in analysing structural data to elucidate biological mechanisms Working knowledge of protein-DNA interactions Main Responsibilities: To use insect-cell based systems to over-express chromatin remodelling complexes To purify chromatin remodelling complexes for structural, biochemical, and single-molecule imaging studies To perform single-particle cryo-electron microscopy-based experiments to obtain high resolution structures of chromatin remodelling complexes To interoperate structural data to uncover functional mechanisms of how these chromatin remodellers function 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 the application form): Essential: PhD in Structural Biology and/or Biochemistry (or a closely related discipline) Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application form and at the interview): Essential: Excellent skills in structural biology and biochemistry Previous experience with using insect cell-based systems to express multi-subunit protein complexes, and experience with protein purification Previous experience in grid preparation for cryo-electron microscopy experiments Previous experience of using cryo-electron microscopes Previous experience in cryo-electron microscopy data analysis and model building 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 working with ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complexes Proven experience collaborating with single-molecule biophysicists, resulting in a strong track record of publications 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 Additional 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 2711. 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.