The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.
There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.
The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation
Overall purpose:
To work within the group of Dr John O’Neill at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) and in association with Dr Emmanuel Derivery (LMB) and Drs Kevin Moreau, Andreas Dannhorn, Dominic Williams of AstraZeneca (AZ). Specifically, to focus on developing novel microfluidic platforms for culturing and studying cells and tissues over extended time periods.
This bioengineering project will underpin cutting-edge biomedical research, enabling real-time measurement and perturbation of biological processes such as the human circadian clock. By integrating advanced control systems, electronics, and software, you will be central to a project that has the potential to transform the way we model drug toxicity and disease mechanisms.
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
• To lead the design, prototyping, and optimisation of multi-channel, computer-controlled microfluidic instruments.
• To collaborate closely with scientific staff, to translate experimental requirements into robust, high-performance automation solutions.
• To develop and refine electronic and mechanical systems for microfluidic devices, including selection of components, circuit design, and software integration.
• To implement real-time control architectures in C, Python, or LabView to coordinate pumps, valves, sensors, and data acquisition modules.
• To establish automated workflows that enable long-term cell and tissue culture experiments, ensuring repeatability, reliability, and efficient data collection.
• To write scripts and develop graphical interfaces to facilitate user-friendly control of laboratory instruments, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
• To work in partnership with researchers and inhouse technical teams to identify requirements, troubleshoot challenges, and drive project milestones, often to tight deadlines.
• To oversee the upkeep of custom-built systems, produce detailed technical documentation, and train others on equipment usage.
• To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.
Working relationships:
You will report to Dr John O'Neill in association with Drs Emmanuel Derivery, Kevin Moreau, Andreas Dannhorn and Dominic Williams and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.
Education / qualifications required:
Essential:Masters (MSc/MEng).
Desirable:PhD in a relevant field (e.g. electronics, software engineering, automation).
Previous work experience required:
Essential:• Demonstrable experience in electronics prototyping and software development.• Proficiency in at least one programming language such as C, Python, or LabView.• Previous experience in constructing, integrating &/or troubleshooting scientific or industrial automation equipment.
Desirable:• Familiarity with control systems, data acquisition, or instrumentation design.• Experience with lab-based experimental work.
Knowledge and experience required:
Essential:• Understanding of microfluidics or previous experience working with fluid handling systems.• Knowledge of signal processing or data visualisation techniques for experimental platforms.• Experience with embedded systems or real-time control.• Familiarity with mechanical design principles and rapid prototyping.
Independent workingEssential:• A background in collaborative research or working within interdisciplinary teams. • Proven skills in working independently and in collaboration; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.
Verbal and written communication skillsEssential:• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.• Experience of giving presentations.
Desirable: • Has made contributions to scientific papers.• Basic understanding of mammalian cell biology.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage time effectively with minimal supervision.
You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: • Code of Conduct• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy• Health and Safety policy• Data Protection policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.
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.
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, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
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