View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2729

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.  

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 expertise in culture of primary cells and organoids, knowledge on molecular, cellular biology, immunology and functional screens.

The postholder will employ a combination of cellular systems of senescence and develop assays to evaluate the effect of nucleic acid sensing pathways (e.g. cGAS/STING, RIG-I, MDA5 and others) using functional genomics on senescent phenotypes and the interaction of senescent and immune cells. As part of the project, the postholder will develop sophisticated co-culture systems to evaluate the interaction of senescent and immune cells in the context of ageing.

The postholder will be supervised by Prof. Gil (Senescence group) and Prof. Brodin (systems Immunology). More broadly, this post is part of a Institute wide collaboration and the postholder will be tightly coordinated and involved in meetings with other PIs and researchers working in the project.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

• Establish novel cell systems to study senescence (using primary cells and organoids) relevant for ageing
• Establish systems to study the interaction between senescence and immune cells
• Perform functional screens and assays (using RNAi, CRISPR and drugs) to assess the role of nucleic acid sensing pathways
• Develop and optimise cell culture assays to assess the interaction between immune and senescent cells and evaluate the effect of different perturbations
• Collaborate with other scientists to investigate candidates in preclinical models and clinical samples
• Provide 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 LMS
• Form good working relationships with other members of LMS groups as well as internal and external collaborators

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

Essential:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or Immunology

Desirable:

• Knowledge on senescence
• Knowledge on immunology

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

Essential:

• Good written communication skills in English
• Extensive cell culture experience
• Experience with functional genomics (CRISPR, RNAi)
• Track record of publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, including a first-author paper

Desirable:

• Experience with high-throughput screening
• Experience in high content microscopy
• Experience with organoid, 3D or co-culture systems

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

Essential:

• Excellent laboratory skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent attention to details
• Excellent creativity
• High-Motivation and perseverance
• The post holder should be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to time
• Ability and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as dictated by changing circumstances
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
• Proven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed
• Ability to use own initiative and work independently and as part of a team, as required
• Problem solving abilities
• Proven multitasking abilities
• Ability to work in a collaborative research environment
• Willingness to give and receive help with challenging problems
• Good verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to communicate its science in a clear way
• Good interpersonal skills
• Willingness to share knowledge and transfer skills to other members of the group on a daily basis

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 2729.

Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff