MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Salary: £39,375 plus London allowances (£3,913 & £1,472) per annum*

2 Year fixed term, with potential for extension

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position available at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) within the Development and Transcriptional control (DTC) group headed by Dr Vicki Metzis.

Our group investigates how regional identity is controlled during development and its impact on cellular diversity. To do this, we examine how extrinsic cues are interpreted by cells to establish different cell types. We leverage cutting-edge, genome engineering, and mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation techniques. These approaches are complemented by state-of-the art in vivo analyses we perform in mouse embryos, allowing us to tease out key principles underpinning regional identity in embryos (c.f. our most recent preprint: Amblard et al., 2024).

In this post, you will apply your molecular biology expertise to dissect gene regulatory events that impact body plan patterning. You will be responsible for generating novel tools and introducing new technologies to address major outstanding questions in developmental biology. You will be eager to apply your creativity to address questions within the core research areas of the group, and also contribute to collaborative projects with other group members or collaborators.

You will have a strong experimental background in molecular biology, with a major interest in either gene regulation in mouse development, stem cell models of posterior body development and/or neural crest development. A strong grasp in utilizing cutting-edge molecular biology techniques in embryonic stem cells and/or the generation and analysis of high throughput sequencing datasets will provide you with an ideal basis to excel in this role.

You will be based at the MRC LMS, 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 that houses outstanding research facilities.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits, including access to Vivup which is a payment and discount portal, 30 days annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, family friendly policies, and support with CPD. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

We are committed to advancing EDI and as "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Learn more about some of our workplace inclusion initiatives.

For full details of this post and to complete an online application please click on the 'Apply' button above and upload your CV, names and contacts of two scientific references along with a covering 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).  Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted. Please quote reference number LMS 2488.

Closing date: 13 October 2024.

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Final appointment will be subject to pre-employment screening

*Salary quoted is inclusive of London weighting. Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 lump sum Settlement Allowance plus a yearly Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, paid in monthly instalments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two.