View Vacancy MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2588 Open Date 25/03/2025, 10:00 Close Date 10/04/2025, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences Research Institute / Unit Information The LMS is 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 (W12). The LMS aims to deliver transdisciplinary team science, in synergistic interaction with Imperial College and the wider national research environment. Part of achieving this, is to recruit new talent and support postdoctoral scientists to become world leaders in their area of science. UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org Band MRC - 4 Location London Salary £41,344 plus London allowances (£5,385) per annum Allowances 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, and £1,800 in the third year. Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 3 years Job Description Overall purpose: The Genomic Variation and Disease Group works at the intersection of medical genetics, cancer genetics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology to identify potential SV-derived therapeutic targets in cancer. The group uses genomics, RNA-sequencing, and proteomics, with the MRC LMS cutting-edge core facilities, in combination with computational approaches to characterize SV-derived neo-peptides with immunogenic potential, opening up potential immunotherapies in cancer. We are looking for a talented postdoctoral scientist with a background in computational biology (bioinformatician) to join our team. As a key member, you will be part of our collaborative effort to identify potential SV-derived therapeutic targets in cancer. Your work will involve analyzing genomics (whole genome sequencing (WGS) and 3D chromatin interactions), transcriptomics (single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing), and proteomics data to identify potential SV-derived neo-peptides with immunogenic potential. At our newly established lab, we are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We value diversity and collaboration and focus on conducting cutting-edge basic and translational science. At the LMS, we also offer excellent mentoring and support to help you reach your career goals. As a post holder, you will have the opportunity to work with an extensive network of collaborators, attend scientific conferences, and publish the results of your work in refereed journals. To provide the adequate scientific environment for your career progression, you will be embedded within the Computational Regulatory Genomics research group headed by Professor Boris Lenhard ( https://lms.mrc.ac.uk/research/computational-regulatory-genomics/ ). You will also work closely with the Systems Immunology research group headed by Professor Petter Brodin ( https://lms.mrc.ac.uk/research/systems-immunology/ ). Key skills: Background in computational biology Background in cancer genetics an advantage Experience of handling large sequencing datasets Experience of analyzing whole genome sequencing and bulk RNA-sequencing datasets Experience of analyzing 3D chromatin interaction, single-cell RNA/DNA-sequencing, and proteomic datasets an advantage Excellent programming skills in R and Python Knowledge of HPC environments an advantage A record of accomplishments indicating the ability to analyse, visualise and disseminate data produced by high-throughput sequencing, as well as in-depth knowledge of molecular biology Main Responsibilities: To lead analyses to identify potential SV-derived therapeutic targets in cancer To manage large datasets To collaborate closely with other members of the team on various projects To prepare work for publication and grant submissions To present at seminars and conferences as necessary To co-supervise MSc and PhD students To contribute to the smooth running of the Group's/Unit's laboratories and facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories To comply with the Institute, College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division Person Specification Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form): Essential: PhD (or equivalent experience) in computational biology/bioinformatics or a closely related discipline Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview): Essential: Experience in computational biology/bioinformatics Experience planning and completing research projects demonstrated through relevant publications and presentations Expertise in genomics and/or experience in analysis of next generation sequencing data (whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing) Excellent written communication skills in English and the ability to write clearly for publication Desirable: Experience in cancer biology Knowledge of databases and resources for structural variant annotation Experience of analyzing 3D chromatin interaction, single-cell RNA/DNA-sequencing, and/or proteomic datasets Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview): Essential: Ability to conduct reproducible research Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature Ability to develop and apply new concepts Creative approach to problem-solving A keen interest in learning new skills Excellent verbal communication skills in English and the ability to deal with a wide range of people Ability to motivate others to produce a high standard of work Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the internet Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative Flexible attitude towards work Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role Further Information Applicants should submit a CV, names and contacts of two scientific references along with a cover 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 2588. Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff 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, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. 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.