Career Development Fellow in London

Salary: £42,694 plus London allowances £5,560 per annum

Fixed Term 3-years | Full time | Closing Date: 27 July 2026

Research Programme

The main research focus of the Steroids and Metabolism group led by Prof Wiebke Arlt is the investigation of steroid biosynthesis and metabolism and their impact on human health and disease, with a specific focus on the sex-specific link between androgen biosynthesis and metabolism and metabolic dysfunction. We employ human-based ex vivo and in vivo physiology and experimental medicine approaches as well as steroid metabolome profiling by mass spectrometry in conjunction with exploration of the data space by statistical and machine learning methods. We develop new diagnostic and prognostic tools and precision medicine approaches with a focus on endocrine and metabolic women’s health.

Purpose of Post

To investigate the relationship between the steroid metabolome, the global untargeted metabolome and clinical phenotype parameters in large cohorts of women affected by polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis, respectively. You will be expected to carry out research within the focus area of the Steroids and Metabolism Group; undertake project management and be involved in the supervision of MRes and PhD students in the group. You need to be willing and able to communicate complex computational issues in the transdisciplinary space, which includes explaining computational method details and analysis results to biological researchers. In addition, you will be expected to present research at conferences, submit publications to refereed journals and to help attract external research funding.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

• To take initiatives in the planning of research
• To identify and develop suitable techniques for the analysis of data
• To conduct data analysis
• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• To write reports for submission to research sponsors
• To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
• To submit publications to refereed journals
• To provide guidance to staff and students from different subject backgrounds
• To attend relevant workshops and conferences
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community
• To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the Institute
• Contribute to bids for research grants
• To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
• To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
• To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit
• To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings
• To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars
• Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
• To collaborate with other allied scientists within Institute and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
• To contribute to the smooth running of the Group
• To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
• To comply with the Institute safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate
• Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by the Head of group

Working relationships:

The post-holder will report directly to the head of the group, Professor Wiebke Arlt.

Additional information:

This post is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist, created to support post-doctoral training and help develop and establish successful research scientists in their chosen field. During the fellowship tenure we are committed to provide mentorship for career development and enhancement of communication and engagement skills, in addition to scientific progression.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements

The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection and Security policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post holder and their manager. The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.

Person requirements

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

• Essential: PhD degree in Computer Science or a related quantitative discipline with substantial training and expertise in statistical and machine learning methods
• Desirable: Undergraduate degree in Biology or Biochemistry

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

• Essential: Experience in statistical and machine learning analysis of complex data
• Desirable: Experience of working in the interdisciplinary context in collaboration with biological and quantitative scientists
• Experience in translational and entrepreneurial activities

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

• Essential: Evidence of organisational ability
• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with researchers ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Additional information:

A highly committed individual with proactive and flexible attitude to work. The ability and willingness to learn new concepts and technologies rapidly whilst collaborating with different scientific disciplines.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit one CV, a brief cover letter describing how the candidate meets the person specifications and the motivation for the post, and the names and contact details of two scientific references. Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff.