Research Support Officer

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

We are seeking a Research Support Officer for the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge. The role supports evolutionary cell biology research focusing on archaeal cells, growth, and division in Sulfolobus and Asgard archaea.

The post is fixed-term for 15 months and requires an undergraduate degree, ideally with a Masters, plus lab experience. Applicants should be capable of collaborative teamwork and may work with omics data at scale.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree is required; a Masters is preferred.
• Experience in a laboratory setting is advantageous, including work with microbial cells.
• Experience with phylogenetic analysis and omics data at scale.

Responsibilities

• Support research on archaeal cell biology in Sulfolobus and Asgard archaea.
• Work within a collaborative team to study cell growth and division.
• Assist in data collection and analysis as part of the group.

Skills

Lab experience

Microbial cells

Phylogenetic approaches

Omics data at scale

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject

Masters degree preferred

Job description

Research Support Officer

Salary: £31,916 - £36,945 per annum pro rata

Fixed term to: 31 December 2027

Location: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

We are looking to recruit a Research Support Officer who is passionate about evolutionary cell biology to join Buzz Baum's group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). The person will work within a team that aims to better understand archaeal cell biology. More specifically, they will be helping to study cell organisation, growth and division cycles in Sulfolobus and Asgard archaea.

The person should have an undergraduate degree, and ideally a Masters, in a relevant subject. Experience working in a lab will be an advantage, especially if this includes working with microbial cells, using phylogenetic approaches to explore questions in evolutionary cell biology, and experience at working with 'omic data at scale. The person should be happy working collaboratively and harmoniously as part of a team.

This is a fixed-term position for 15 months due to time-limited funding from an external grant.

Please email Buzz Baum at [e-mail] if you have any queries.

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have excellent public transport on site including the Cambridge South train station (a two-minute walk from the lab), cycle enclosures and on-site parking. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days), and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role-related qualifications. Further information about the benefits available can be found at http://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.

The LMB is a world-class research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is nine research councils, working together across all disciplines and sectors. More information can be found at www.ukri.org and https://mrclmb.ac.uk/.

Closing date: 12 October 2026

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society. The LMB particularly welcomes women, minority ethnic and disabled candidates to apply for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; [e-mail].

The person should have an undergraduate degree, and ideally a Masters, in a relevant subject. Experience working in a lab will be an advantage, especially if this includes working with microbial cells, using phylogenetic approaches to explore questions in evolutionary cell biology, and experience at working with 'omic data at scale. The person should be happy working collaboratively and harmoniously as part of a team.

The LMB has a collaborative working culture and state-of-the‑art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. We have excellent public transport on site including the Cambridge South train station (a two-minute walk from the lab), cycle enclosures and on‑site parking. We have a staff restaurant with roof terrace and access to a Campus nursery and sports and social facilities. You will be eligible to join our defined benefit pension scheme, a holiday entitlement of 40.5 days per annum (including bank holidays and privilege days) and a generous employee discount scheme. We are also committed to providing training and development opportunities including support towards role‑related qualifications. Further information about the benefits available can be found at http://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri.