View Vacancy -- Science Photographer / Videographer - Operations Group - VisLab - LMB 2667

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: 

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) has a strategic ambition to promote the understanding and engagement of its world-class science to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

The VisLab department is responsible for producing dynamic, creative and captivating visual experiences using various media to support the LMB’s research and tell its science stories in the most compelling way.

The Science Photographer/Videographer will be key to creating impactful images and videos to communicate and disseminate the LMB’s exceptional science and atmosphere and inspire broad audiences.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    Collaborate directly with the VisLab team, public engagement and archive team, scientists, and other departments across the LMB, for photo and video projects, guiding them through preparatory and production stages.

•    Produce high-quality visual content showcasing a wide range of LMB activities—including events, lectures, meetings, interviews and special occasions—in both formal and informal settings. This includes content for news stories, alumni newsletters, facility video tours, science video abstracts, scripted and unscripted films, documentaries, and more.

•    Provide technical support for still and live shoots involving scientific subjects and materials, such as equipment demonstrations, scientific techniques, tissues, organs, embryos, animal models, and other research-related content.

•    Collaborate with the archive team to digitise and preserve archival collections.

•    Interpret collaborator goals to identify and prioritise key elements in each project, adapt to evolving requirements, and offer creative and technical recommendations to enhance the final deliverables within agreed timelines.

•    Collaborate with external photographers and videographers when required, ensuring consistency in quality and style, and facilitating smooth coordination across internal and external teams.

•    Actively engage in team collaboration by participating in meetings, critiques, and service reviews to help develop and improve the department’s offerings.

•    Manage multiple projects simultaneously, working independently or within a team, ensuring all work aligns with project specifications and is delivered on schedule.

•    Organise and maintain both physical and digital media assets, ensuring accessibility, efficient workflows, and adherence to the department’s file management practices. Identify and implement suitable systems for long-term physical and digital media storage and maintenance.

•    Stay current with advancements in relevant hardware, software, and industry trends, and apply new techniques and platforms to enhance digital and print photo/video production.

Working relationships: 

You will report to the Head of VisLab and work closely with the VisLab team and the public engagement and archive team.

You will work with scientists, facilities, operations teams and members across the LMB to support their photo/video projects through all stages of production.

You will collaborate with external photographers and videographers when required.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Degree in photography, media design, film or television production, or equivalent relevant experience.

Previous work experience required: 

Experience and advanced knowledge in science photography and videography.

Experience of working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

Knowledge and experience: 

•    Strong visual composition, spatial awareness, and perspective skills, developed through the creation of an extensive portfolio of both creative and technical visual work.

•    Proven expertise in coordinating single and multi-camera setups (e.g., B-roll, triple-take, master and coverage shots), managing lighting and audio equipment, and leading production teams for a range of video formats including scripted/unscripted films, interviews, instructional content, time-lapse, and run-and-gun shoots.

•    Advanced skills in portrait and still photography across studio and location environments, including experience with micro and macro photography of scientific subjects and materials.

•    Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse subjects, providing clear direction and support to capture strong visual outcomes.

•    Proficient in video post-production workflows, including editing, colour grading, compositing, and transcoding for multiple formats and platforms.

•    High-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and Audition, as well as Helicon Focus for focus stacking techniques or similar tools.

•    Experience managing visual media projects independently and as part of a team, including tracking progress, incorporating feedback, and delivering high-quality results on time.

•    Working knowledge of standard office and communications software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams or alternatives.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

•    Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to read and adapt to a variety of personalities and working styles, maintaining strong collaborative relationships.

•    Strong written, email and verbal communication skills, with a clear and professional approach.

•    Comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

•    Quick-thinking and resourceful, able to develop creative solutions in dynamic situations.

•    Resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a structured and calm manner.

•    Passionate about continuous learning and open to exploring new tools, techniques, and workflows for improving creative output and efficiency.

•    Flexible and adaptable, with a positive attitude toward change and emerging digital trends and requests.

•    Open and receptive to constructive feedback, while also confident in providing thoughtful feedback to others.

•    Strongly motivated by user and stakeholder satisfaction, with a service-oriented mindset.

•    High attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to producing polished, high-quality work.

Additional and application information:

This is a rolling advertisement which can close or be extended, at any time, if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.

It is anticipated that interviews will take place between 26 and 28 August.

Following completion of your probationary period, we can consider informal hybrid working arrangements, with up to 2 days working from home per week.

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.