Investigator Scientist

The Methodist Church in Britain; City Of London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences invites applications for an Investigator Scientist to lead whole-animal phenotyping projects, building quantitative C. elegans assays and high-throughput imaging for discovery and screening.

The role includes co-supervising students, training postdoctoral researchers and sharing methods across LMS teams, with security screening required.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in biological sciences, bioengineering or related discipline.
• Experience with C. elegans research and quantitative behavioural or imaging assays.
• Independent design and delivery of research projects.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver research projects in whole-animal phenotyping, from design and data collection to analysis, interpretation and publication.
• Develop, validate and document reproducible C. elegans assays, imaging workflows and quantitative analysis methods.
• Apply genetics, microscopy and screening approaches to investigate biological mechanisms and assess candidate compounds or other interventions.
• Co-supervise students and train postdoctoral and other researchers.
• Build internal and external collaborations and keep methods current.
• Publish and present research and contribute to funding applications and public engagement.
• Conduct research safely, ethically and reproducibly, in line with LMS, MRC and UKRI policies.

Skills

C. elegans research

Quantitative imaging

High-throughput screening

Data analysis workflows

Scientific communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in biological sciences or related

Job description

This Investigator Scientist post sits in the Behavioural Phenomics group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, a permanent full-time role. The postholder leads whole-animal phenotyping projects, building quantitative C. elegans assays and high-throughput imaging for biological discovery and screening. The post also covers co-supervising students, training postdoctoral researchers and sharing methods across other LMS teams. Applicants need a PhD or equivalent experience and a completed postdoctoral appointment, and the role requires security screening.

What the job involves

• Define and deliver research projects in whole-animal phenotyping, from design and data collection to analysis, interpretation and publication
• Develop, validate and document reproducible C. elegans assays, imaging workflows and quantitative analysis methods, with quality control and data management
• Apply genetics, microscopy and screening approaches to investigate biological mechanisms and assess candidate compounds or other interventions
• Co-supervise students and train postdoctoral and other researchers
• Build internal and external collaborations, contribute to scientific discussions and keep methods current
• Publish and present research, contribute to funding applications and public engagement, and identify potential intellectual property
• Conduct research safely, ethically and reproducibly, in line with LMS, MRC and UKRI policies

Qualifications

• PhD, or equivalent experience, in biological sciences, bioengineering or a closely related discipline

Experience

• At least one completed postdoctoral appointment with significant experimental biology experience
• Independent design and delivery of research projects
• Experience with C. elegans research and quantitative behavioural or imaging assays, including worm genetics and high-throughput drug screens
• Significant peer-reviewed publications, including first and/or last author papers, presentations and collaborative research
• Experience training or supervising junior researchers

Skills & knowledge

• Ability to establish, troubleshoot and document reproducible experimental and analytical workflows
• Independent, creative problem-solving and planning and prioritising with limited supervision
• Clear written and verbal scientific communication
• Constructive approach to collaboration and mentoring
• Commitment to reproducible research, safe working practices, confidentiality and responsible use of resources

Checks & eligibility

• Security screening or vetting at the level required for the role

Nice to have

• Experience in molecular biology or microscopy method development