MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2642

Medical Research Council; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to delve into epigenetics and transposable element biology within a renowned group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. The ideal candidate will lead innovative research projects while collaborating with experts and contributing to scientific publications. This position promises an engaging academic environment targeted for summer 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in genome regulation, chromatin, transposable elements and development.
• Extensive wet lab experience in relevant techniques.
• Evidence of planning and carrying on a research project.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and plan research according to project aims.
• Publish results in refereed journals.
• Collaborate with group members and contribute to research grants.

Skills

Written communication skills

Problem solving

Research planning

Collaboration

Flexibility

Education

PhD in gene regulation, chromatin biology, development or related field

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Genomics

Chromatin profiling

Transposon biology

Bioinformatics

Job description

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MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2642, London

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Client:

Medical Research Council

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

Job Views:

5

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

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Job Description:

Overall purpose:

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral research scientist to work on a project in epigenetics and transposable element biology in the Chromatin and Development group (headed by Michelle Percharde), at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London.

We previously discovered that the transposon, LINE1, is essential in mouse embryonic stem cells and embryos, highlighting unexpected roles for transposons in development (Percharde et al., Cell 2018). We have recently described new nucleolar chromatin-based mechanisms in development for transposon regulation (Xie et al., Genes Dev 2022), have defined new roles for transposon co-option in early mouse development (Chammas et al., Biorxiv 2024, in revision), and have revealed new mechanisms to uncouple transposon expression from harmful pathology, such as innate immune activation (Garcia-Llagostera et al., Biorxiv 2025). With guidance from Dr Percharde, the successful candidate will develop and lead a project from within these topics, for example relating to nucleolar chromatin or transposon biology.

The ideal candidate will have a background in genome regulation, mammalian development, transposable element biology and/or related fields. Prior experience in human pluripotent cell culture and in performing high-throughput genomic techniques and developing or implementing new techniques is desirable. The position is available to be filled summer 2025, but the start date can be flexible.

• To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
• Take initiatives in the planning of research
• Write reports for submission to research sponsors
• Submit publications to refereed journals
• Provide guidance to staff and students
• Contribute to bids for research grants
• Conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
• Maintain highly organised and accurate record of work
• To attend project and related research group meetings
• To interact and collaborate with group members
• Write-up and publication of work in peer-reviewed journals
• To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS
• To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations
• Presentation of data at national and international meetings
• To form good working relationships with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators
• To assist others and co-supervise students when required
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Overall purpose:

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral research scientist to work on a project in epigenetics and transposable element biology in the Chromatin and Development group (headed by Michelle Percharde), at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) and Imperial College London.

We previously discovered that the transposon, LINE1, is essential in mouse embryonic stem cells and embryos, highlighting unexpected roles for transposons in development (Percharde et al., Cell 2018). We have recently described new nucleolar chromatin-based mechanisms in development for transposon regulation (Xie et al., Genes Dev 2022), have defined new roles for transposon co-option in early mouse development (Chammas et al., Biorxiv 2024, in revision), and have revealed new mechanisms to uncouple transposon expression from harmful pathology, such as innate immune activation (Garcia-Llagostera et al., Biorxiv 2025). With guidance from Dr Percharde, the successful candidate will develop and lead a project from within these topics, for example relating to nucleolar chromatin or transposon biology.

The ideal candidate will have a background in genome regulation, mammalian development, transposable element biology and/or related fields. Prior experience in human pluripotent cell culture and in performing high-throughput genomic techniques and developing or implementing new techniques is desirable. The position is available to be filled summer 2025, but the start date can be flexible.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims

Take initiatives in the planning of research

Write reports for submission to research sponsors

Submit publications to refereed journals

Provide guidance to staff and students

Contribute to bids for research grants

Conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision

Maintain highly organised and accurate record of work

To attend project and related research group meetings

To interact and collaborate with group members

Write-up and publication of work in peer-reviewed journals

To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS

To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations

Presentation of data at national and international meetings

To form good working relationships with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators

To assist others and co-supervise students when required

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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):

Essential:

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in gene regulation, chromatin biology, development or a related biological field

Desirable:

A first-author publication, preprint or manuscript in preparation for imminent submission

Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

Evidence that the candidate can plan and carry on a research project

Extensive wet lab experience in techniques relating to at least one of: molecular biology, genomics, chromatin profiling and transposon biology

Desirable:

Expertise in human pluripotent cell (iPSC/ESC) tissue culture and manipulations

Experience producing libraries for chromatin analysis (eg, ATAC-seq, C&R, C&T)

Interest in and proven experience of developing or implementing new techniques in the lab

Experience in handling and bioinformatics analysis of ‘omics datasets

Evidence of actively contributing to or driving scientific collaborations

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

Excellent written communication skills in English

A strong interest in genome regulation, chromatin, transposable elements and development

Demonstration of creative approaches to problem solving

Desirable:

Strong publication record and exposure to scientific meetings

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 organise own work with minimal supervision

Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines

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 work out of normal working hours if the requirements of the project demand

Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role

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