Postdoctoral Training Scientist in London

The Genomic Variation and Disease Group works at the intersection of medical genetics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology to explore the mechanisms underlying human diseases. The group uses CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and synthetic genomics for mouse or human genome rewriting to model disease-causing chromosomal structural variants (SVs) and study their functional consequences. Our challenge is understanding how this type of genomic variation affects molecular and cellular processes to influence organismal phenotypes.

We are looking for a talented postdoctoral scientist with a background in molecular biology to join our team. As a key member, you will be part of our collaborative effort to study the molecular mechanisms underlying gene regulation and develop a scalable platform for engineering patient-specific structural variants. Your work will involve in vitro (cellular differentiation) and/or in vivo mouse models, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and high-throughput CRISPR screens, and single-cell technologies to investigate the molecular consequences of SVs impacting the noncoding genome.

At our newly established lab, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We value diversity and collaboration and focus on conducting cutting-edge basic and translational science. We provide extensive on-the-job training as needed for the projects. At the LMS, we also offer excellent mentoring and support to help you reach your career goals. As a post holder, you will have the opportunity to work with an extensive network of collaborators, attend scientific conferences, and publish the results of your work in leading journals.

Key skills:

• Background in the field of gene regulation and/or developmental genetics
• Experience in mouse ES cell culture and common techniques in molecular biology
• Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and high-throughput CRISPR screens
• Experience in the preparation of targeted NGS libraries is an advantage
• Experience in in vitro neuronal differentiation is an advantage
• Experience in immunofluorescence and microscopy imaging is an advantage
• Experience in single-cell technologies is an advantage
• Experience in high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (cHi-C) is an advantage
• Experience in ATAC-seq and Cut&Tag/ChIP-seq is an advantage

Main Responsibilities:

• Work with group members and collaborators as well as independently on experimental design, data analysis, visualization, and interpretation
• To prepare work for publication and grant submissions
• To present at seminars and conferences as necessary
• To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
• To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required

Education / Qualifications / Training required:

• Essential: PhD (or equivalent) in Molecular Genetics or a closely related discipline

Knowledge and experience:

• Essential: Background in the field of gene regulation and/or developmental genetics
• Experience in mouse ES cell culture and common techniques in molecular biology
• Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and high-throughput CRISPR screens
• Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication
• Desirable: Experience in the preparation of targeted NGS libraries
• Experience in in vitro neuronal differentiation
• Experience in immunofluorescence and microscopy imaging
• Experience in single-cell technologies
• Experience in high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (cHi-C)
• Experience in ATAC-seq and Cut&Tag/ChIP-seq is an advantage

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
• A keen interest in learning new skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills in English and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
• Ability to 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 undertake any necessary training for the role

Additional information:

Applicants should submit a maximum two-page CV, a brief cover letter describing scientific interests and motivation for the post and names and contacts of two scientific references. Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff.