MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Fixed-term, 3 years
Biochemical and biophysical studies of eukaryotic SMC complexes
From £35,859 - £38,700 per annum (including allowances) *
London W12
Join our friendly and international team to work on a project aimed to study protein-DNA interactions of chromosomal architectural proteins that lead to the formation of three-dimensionally folded chromosomes. Every cell contains an enormous amount of DNA organised into one or more chromosomes. Chromosomes need to be accessed by components of the cell so that the information they contain can be read and used. In addition, the integrity of the genetic information must be maintained as cells duplicate, during DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Therefore, from bacteria to mammals, chromosomes require physical manipulation in a manner co-ordinated with cellular activities. To achieve this, cells contain specialised machines that can manipulate chromosome superstructure to ensure that DNA is read, packaged and inherited faithfully. Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes are believed to be the machines capable of remodelling chromosome super-structure.
You will have the opportunity to work on several projects related to the biochemical and biophysical characterization of the molecular mechanisms of SMC complexes as well as their regulation and function on chromatin.
Experience in biochemistry (protein purification/structural analysis) and biophysics (single molecule - optical/magnetic tweezers) is essential, although some training will be provided. You will need a PhD in life sciences or equivalent experience and at least one first-author publication published or in press. We offer a highly attractive benefits package including 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and privilege days, competitive salary and pension scheme along with an interest free season ticket loan.
The LMS is directly funded by the Medical Research Council, and associated with Imperial College. The LMS provide excellent core facilities and support structures, including automated microscopy systems, next generation sequence and proteomics. The Cell Cycle Group is part of the Epigenetics Section and interacts with other groups in the LMS studying cell cycle, cancer, and chromatin organisation.
The MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences is a research institute within UK Research and Innovation. 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 For informal enquiries, please contact Luis Aragon via email (
[email protected])
Cell Cycle Group web page:
https://lms.mrc.ac.uk/research-group/cell-cycle//.
For full details of this post and to complete an online application please visit
https://mrc.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/appcentre-1/candidate/postings/1294 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). Please quote reference number LMS 1154.
Closing date: Friday 27th September 2019
*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 installments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two, and £1,800 in the third year.
