MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist – LMS 2729
Open Date: 18/11/2025 – 09:25
Close Date: 31/12/2025 – 23:55
Research Institute: MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Salary: £42,694 per annum plus £5,560 London allowance. Additional allowances include a £1,000 Settlement Allowance and a Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, increasing to £1,300 in year two and £1,800 in year three.
Contract: Fixed Term, 3 years, Full Time (Full Time / Part Time – Full Time)
Job Description
Overall purpose: The postdoctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary team working on a multi‑lab ‘Team Science’ initiative aimed at understanding and modulating cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathways involved in chronic inflammation and ageing (‘inflammageing’). The successful candidate will integrate expertise in primary cell and organoid culture, molecular and cellular biology, immunology, and functional screens to develop novel cellular systems and assays for senescence and immune–senescence interactions.
Key Responsibilities
* Establish novel cell systems to study senescence using primary cells and organoids.
* Develop systems to study the interaction between senescence and immune cells.
* Perform functional screens and assays (RNAi, CRISPR, drugs) to assess the role of nucleic acid sensing pathways.
* Develop and optimise cell‑culture assays to evaluate interactions between immune and senescent cells and the effect of perturbations.
* Collaborate with other scientists to investigate candidates in pre‑clinical models and clinical samples.
* Provide training and support to junior lab members, including PhD students.
* Participate in regular lab meetings, journal clubs and institute seminars.
* Write scientific papers and present findings at national and international conferences.
* Take an active part in the academic activities of LMS.
* Form good working relationships with other members of LMS groups and external collaborators.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Essential: PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or Immunology.
* Desirable: Knowledge of senescence and immunology.
Work Experience
* Essential: Good written communication skills in English, extensive cell‑culture experience, experience with functional genomics (CRISPR, RNAi), and a track record of publishing scientific results in peer‑reviewed journals (including a first‑author paper).
* Desirable: Experience with high‑throughput screening, high‑content microscopy, organoid/3D or co‑culture systems.
Personal Skills and Behaviours
* Excellent laboratory, organisational, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
* Excellent creativity, high motivation and perseverance.
* Prepared to work unsociable hours and adapt to changing timetables or work patterns.
* Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy.
* Proven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to meet deadlines.
* Initiative and independence as well as teamwork.
* Problem‑solving and multitasking abilities.
* Willingness to give and receive help with challenging problems.
* Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills in English.
* Ability to communicate science clearly and share knowledge daily.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit one CV, names and contacts of two scientific references, and a cover letter stating why you are applying for this role (providing evidence that you meet the requirements of the job described above). Please quote reference number LMS 2729. Notes: Applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff.
We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including those with a disability, to apply. As “Disability Confident” employers, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre‑employment check, including a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check, as required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re‑run security clearance during the course of employment.
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