Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£44,801 - £47,071 plus London Allowance £5,560 per annum

About the Role
The Investigator Scientist will provide sustained scientific and technical expertise in the Behavioural Phenomics group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS). The group develops quantitative C. elegans behavioural assays and high-throughput imaging for biological discovery and phenotypic screening. Under the Group Leader’s direction, the postholder will lead projects, develop robust methods and help maintain continuity of specialist knowledge across successive studies. The role includes co-supervision of students, training of researchers, and sharing methods with collaborators and other LMS groups.

Main duties include defining and delivering research projects in whole-animal phenotyping, from experimental design and data collection to analysis, interpretation and publication. The postholder will develop, validate and document reproducible C. elegans assays, imaging workflows and quantitative analysis methods, including quality control and sound data management. They will apply genetics, microscopy and screening approaches to investigate biological mechanisms and assess candidate compounds or other interventions where relevant.

Additional responsibilities include co-supervising students, training postdoctoral and other researchers, building productive internal and external collaborations, contributing to scientific discussions, and keeping methods current with developments in the field. The role also involves publishing and presenting research, contributing to funding applications and public engagement, and identifying potential intellectual property where appropriate. All research must be conducted safely, ethically and reproducibly, in line with LMS, MRC and UKRI policies.

Experience
Essential experience includes a PhD (or equivalent) in biological sciences, bioengineering or a closely related discipline, and at least one completed postdoctoral appointment with significant experience in experimental biology and independent design and delivery of research projects. Experience with C. elegans research and quantitative behavioural or imaging assays, including worm genetics and high-throughput drug screens, is required. The ability to establish, troubleshoot and document reproducible experimental and analytical workflows is essential.
Desirable experience includes molecular biology or microscopy method development, a track record of significant intellectual contributions to peer-reviewed publications (first and/or last author), scientific presentations, collaborative research, and experience training or supervising junior researchers.

About you
You should be an independent, creative problem solver with the ability to plan and prioritise work with limited supervision. Clear written and verbal scientific communication skills and a constructive approach to collaboration and mentoring are essential. Commitment to reproducible research, safe working practices, confidentiality and responsible use of resources is required.

Qualifications
PhD or equivalent experience in biological sciences, bioengineering or a closely related discipline is essential.