Investigator Scientist

Investigator Scientist LMS 3045

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

Band (Grade): MRC 4b S2 | Permanent | Full time | Closing date: 8 November 2026 

Overall purpose

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 and key responsibilities

• Define and deliver research projects in whole-animal phenotyping, from experimental design and data collection to analysis, interpretation and publication.

• Develop, validate and document reproducible C. elegans assays, imaging workflows and quantitative analysis methods, including quality control and sound data management.

• Apply genetics, microscopy and screening approaches to investigate biological mechanisms and assess candidate compounds or other interventions where relevant.

• Co-supervise students and train postdoctoral and other researchers.

• Build productive internal and external collaborations, contribute to scientific discussions, and keep methods current with developments in the field.

• Publish and present research, contribute to funding applications and public engagement, and identify potential intellectual property where appropriate.

• Conduct research safely, ethically and reproducibly, in line with LMS, MRC and UKRI policies.

Working relationships

The postholder reports to the Group Leader and works with group members, other LMS teams and external collaborators.

Equality & Diversity

UKRI values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities.  UKRI is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equalities and diversity leadership and management. 

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements

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.

Person requirements

Education, qualifications and experience

Essential

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in biological sciences, bioengineering or a closely related discipline.

• At least one completed postdoctoral appointment, with significant experience in experimental biology and independent design and delivery of research projects.

Technical skills and expertise

Essential

• Experience with C. elegans research and quantitative behavioural or imaging assays, including worm genetics and high-throughput drug screens.

• Ability to establish, troubleshoot and document reproducible experimental and analytical workflows.

Desirable

• Experience in molecular biology or microscopy method development.

Track record of research

• Evidence of significant intellectual contributions to peer-reviewed publications (first and/or last author publications), scientific presentations and collaborative research; experience training or supervising junior researchers.

Personal skills, behaviours and qualities

Essential

• Independent, creative problem-solving and the ability to plan and prioritise work with limited supervision.

• Clear written and verbal scientific communication and a constructive approach to collaboration and mentoring.

• Commitment to reproducible research, safe working practices, confidentiality and responsible use of resources.

Additional 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 3045.

Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.