MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2741

Overall purpose: The LMS is a world‑class research laboratory where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Funded by the MRC as part of UK Research and Innovation, the LMS has a collaborative working culture and new state‑of‑the‑art building based in the heart of West London in the Hammersmith Hospital Campus. The LMS aims to deliver transdisciplinary team science, in synergistic interaction with Imperial College and the wider national research environment. Part of achieving this is to recruit new talent and support post‑doctoral scientists to become world leaders in their area of science.

A new opportunity has arisen for a 15‑month Postdoctoral Research Scientist to work in the Meiosis group headed by Enrique Martinez‑Perez. We are looking for a talented and self‑motivated molecular cell biologist to join the Meiosis research group within the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. The main goal of the project will be to investigate how different protein complexes control the three‑dimensional organization and function of meiotic chromosomes to ensure fertility in the nematode C. elegans, particularly aiming to understand the interplay between meiotic chromosome structure and crossover formation.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

• Plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
• Attend project and related research group meetings
• Interact and collaborate with group members
• Write‑up and publish work in peer‑reviewed journals
• Take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS
• Attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations
• Present data at national and international meetings
• Form good working relationships with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators
• Assist others and co‑supervise students when required

Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent) in an area related to chromosome biology
• A first‑author paper (published or submitted)
• Wet‑lab experience working with model organisms

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

• Extensive experience with basic molecular biology experimental approaches
• Previous experience working with meiotic chromosomes
• Previous experience in live imaging of meiotic chromosomes
• Evidence that the candidate can plan and carry on a research project
• Good written communication skills in English

Desirable:

• Experience working with C. elegans as a model organism

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

• Good knowledge of general chromosome biology
• In‑depth understanding of meiotic recombination

Desirable:

• Strong publication record and exposure to scientific meetings

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

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 direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines
• Advanced computer skills, including word‑processing, spreadsheets and the Internet
• 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 (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
• Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role