View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS - 2003

The London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) is an Institute funded by the MRC and part of the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College. We are located on the Hammersmith Hospital Campus in West London (W12). The institute has first-class facilities and provides investigators from clinical and basic science backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue innovative, multidisciplinary research within the excellence of Imperial College. For more information, visit https://lms.mrc.ac.uk

Overall purpose:

The Cell Cycle Control team, headed by Dr Alexis Barr, aims to understand how cells enter and exit the cell cycle. Getting the balance between proliferation and quiescence right is vital for normal development and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. We are focussed on understanding how extracellular and intracellular factors impact cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity to drive cell cycle decision-making. Since many of these control networks are dysregulated in cancer, our work could influence how tumours are treated to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells.

To address our research questions, we use a combination of high-content fixed and live single-cell imaging, quantitative image analysis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic engineering, biochemistry, proteomics, screening and modelling.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be a key member of the Cell Cycle Control group, and will enjoy a high level of scientific responsibility. They will work in a focussed and organised manner to produce independent and original research within the group, deliver the scientific aims of the project and aid in the submission of publications to refereed journals. They will also help with supervising students and contribute to the smooth running of the research group.

Main Responsibilities:

• To plan, carry out, and analyse research in accordance with the agreed project aims.
• To attend all lab and related research meetings, and to present work when required.
• To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations.
• To keep up to date with the scientific literature and technical advances relevant to the project.
• To present data at national and international meetings (where and when appropriate).
• To interact and collaborate with researchers in related projects.
• To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS.
• To write up work for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• To form good working relationships with other members of the group, as well as internal and external collaborators.
• To assist others and co-supervise students when required.
• To contribute to the development and maintenance of the group’s experimental infrastructure as appropriate.
• To help with the daily running of the lab by assisting with general lab duties as required.

This is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist position providing training and development supporting post-doctoral scientists in early or changed career paths helping establish them as successful research scientists in their chosen field.

 Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant life sciences, systems biology or biomedical discipline and extensive experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques. An excellent track record of independent research is essential. Expertise in cell cycle, cellular quiescence, genome stability, cell signalling and/or quantitative image analysis would be an advantage. The successful candidate must also have the ability to develop and apply new concepts, have a creative approach to problem solving, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication.

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

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant life sciences, systems biology, biomedical or related discipline
• First author publication in a respected journal (accepted or expected in the next six months)

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

Essential:

• Extensive experience in cell culture
• Extensive experience in molecular biology and/or biochemical techniques
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Cell cycle, cell proliferation, cellular quiescence
  • Genome stability
  • Cell signalling
  • Light microscopy and quantitative image analysis
  • CRISPR gene editing
  • Biochemical techniques, including in vitro kinase assays, proteomics

Desirable:

• Work with 3D culture or organoid models
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Java, Python etc)
• Proficiency in a programming statistics language (ideally R)

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

Essential:

• A keen interest in cell cycle control and cell signalling – particularly in understanding molecular mechanisms
• Evidence of establishing and optimising assays
• An excellent track record of independent research
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication

Desirable:

• Presentation at international conferences (Poster or talk)

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

Essential:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (both in situ and remotely with national and international collaborators)
• Evidence of ability to conduct research independently, from the planning stages, execution, troubleshooting and write-up
• Desire to learn and acquire new skills and to pro-actively seek novel and creative solutions to scientific problems
• Willingness to share knowledge and skills with other members of the group on a daily basis
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to constructively criticise one’s own and others results