MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2730

View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2730 Open Date 18/11/2025, 09:30 Close Date 31/12/2025, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences Research Institute / Unit Information The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) is a biomedical research institute where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. We are proud to launch our new Team Science initiative, marking a bold step toward a more collaborative, challenge-driven model of research. UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org Band MRC - 4 Location London Salary £42,694 per annum plus London allowance £5,560 per annum Allowances Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 lump sum Settlement Allowance plus a yearly Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, paid in monthly instalments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two and £1,800 in year three. Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 3 years Job Description Overall purpose: The postdoctoral researcher will join a multi-disciplinary team working on a multi-lab team science initiative aimed at understanding and modulating cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathways involved in chronic inflammation and ageing ("inflammageing"). The successful candidate will integrate advanced single-molecule biophysics, protein biochemistry, chromatin biology, and translational pharmacology to deliver key mechanistic and therapeutic insights.The postholder will employ optical tweezers combined with fluorescence imaging to directly visualise nucleic acid sensor interactions with DNA and RNA substrates under applied force. These real-time, quantitative analyses will reveal how sensors such as cGAS, AIM2, RIG-I, MDA5, and TLR9 are modulated by nucleic acid structure, chromatin context, and post-translational modifications.Alongside this, the postdoc will take a leading role in the design and development of biochemical assays for high-throughput drug screening. In collaboration with the LMS/Imperial Drug Discovery Hub (DDHub), they will execute compound screens to identify inhibitors, activators, and degraders of key nucleic acid sensors, followed by mechanistic validation using biophysical and biochemical platforms. This position sits at the interface of fundamental research and therapeutic discovery. Main duties / key responsibilities: Design and execute molecular cloning, protein expression, and purification strategies for recombinant nucleic acid sensorsPlan and conduct optical tweezer-based single-molecule assays to characterise DNA/RNA sensor dynamicsDevelop and optimise in vitro assays (e.g. fluorescence-based, enzymatic, binding) for use in compound screeningWork with DDHub to perform high-throughput screening for small-molecule modulatorsAnalyse screening data and characterise compound hits using biochemical, biophysical, and structural techniquesCollaborate with other scientists to validate compounds in cellular models of senescence and ageingProvide training and support to junior lab members, including PhD students.Participate in regular lab meetings, journal clubs, and institute seminars.Write scientific papers and present findings at national and international conferences.Take an active part in the academic activities of the LMSForm good working relationships with other members of LMS groups as well as internal and external collaboratorsPerson Specification Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application): Essential: PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Biophysics Experience using Lumicks C-Trap-optical tweezers Desirable: Training in drug discovery or assay development Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application and at the interview): Essential: Good written communication skills in EnglishExperience in protein expression and purification of recombinant proteinsExperience in developing and executing quantitative biochemical assaysExperience in the use of single-molecule techniques (specifically- Lumicks C-Trap-optical tweezers)Track record of publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journalsExperience with high-throughput screening Desirable : Background in chromatin biochemistry or post-translational modification studies Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application and at the interview): Essential: Understanding of nucleic acid-protein interactions, particularly as relevant to the design and interpretation of single-molecule biophysical experiments Proficiency in data analysis from biochemical or biophysical experiments Knowledge of assay development for small-molecule screening Desirable: Familiarity with cGAS-STING and related pathways Exposure to structural prediction tools (e.g. AlphaFold)Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview): Essential: Excellent laboratory skillsExcellent organisational skillsExcellent attention to detailExcellent creativityHigh-Motivation and perseveranceThe post holder should be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to timeAbility and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as dictated by changing circumstancesAbility to work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracyProven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposedAbility to use own initiative and work independently and as part of a team, as requiredProblem solving abilitiesProven multitasking abilitiesAbility to work in a collaborative research environmentWillingness to give and receive help with challenging problemsGood verbal communication skills in EnglishAbility to communicate its science in a clear wayGood interpersonal skillsWillingness to share knowledge and transfer skills to other members of the group on a daily basis Further Information Applicants should submit one CV, names and contacts of two scientific references, along with a cover letter stating why you are applying for this role (providing evidence against the requirements of the job as per the job description and person specification). Please quote reference number LMS 2730. Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council. In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs. We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.