Research Support Officer in Evolutionary Cell Biology

1000scholars; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension scheme

40.5 days holiday per year

Employee discount scheme

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge invites applications for a Research Support Officer who is passionate about evolutionary cell biology. The role supports study of archaeal cell biology, focusing on cell organisation, growth and division cycles in Sulfolobus and Asgard archaea.

The successful candidate will hold an undergraduate degree (Masters preferred) in a relevant subject, bring lab experience with microbial cells, and collaborate within a team.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (ideally Masters) in a relevant subject.
• Laboratory experience, especially with microbial cells.
• Experience with phylogenetic approaches and omics data at scale.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Study cell organization, growth and division cycles in Sulfolobus and Asgard archaea.
• Work within a team to advance understanding of archaeal biology.

Skills

Lab experience

Teamwork

Phylogenetics

Genomics/omics data

Archaeal biology

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters degree preferred

Tools

Phylogenetic analysis tools

Microbial culture techniques

Genomics data analysis

Job description

Fixed term to 31 December 2027

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

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.

Benefits

• 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.

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

£31,916 to £36,945 per annum pro rata