Investigator Scientist

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

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

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.

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

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…