View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Molecular Mechanisms of Disease LMS 2483

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 (W12).

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 postdoctoral scientists to become world leaders in their area of science.

Overall purpose:

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 research scientist with a background in molecular biology to join our team. As a key member, you will be part of our collaborative effort to explore novel SV-associated disease mechanisms. Your work will involve generating in vitro (cellular differentiation) and/or in vivo mouse models 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 cell culture and common techniques in molecular biology
• Experience in high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (cHi-C) is an advantage
• Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is an advantage
• Experience in mouse genetics and microscopy imaging is an advantage

Main Responsibilities:

The general responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• 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 (will be assessed from application form):

Essential:

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

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

• Background in the field of gene regulation and/or developmental genetics with a track record of relevant publications and presentations
• Experience in cell culture and common techniques in molecular biology
• Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication

Desirable:

• Previous experience in high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (cHi-C)
• Previous experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
• Previous experience in mouse genetics
• Previous experience in microscopy imaging
• Previous experience in single-cell RNA sequencing

Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

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

Applicants should submit a CV, a brief cover letter describing scientific interests and names and contacts of two scientific references. Please quote reference number LMS 2483. 

Applications without a supporting covering letter will not be considered.