Fixed term (3 years)
London, UK
About us
The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) is a biomedical research institute where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. LMS is one of three directly funded MRC research institutes and enjoys close links with our partners at Imperial College London and at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
About the role
Every cell carries a record of its history: somatic mutations and DNA methylation changes accumulate as cells divide, leaving an endogenous barcode in each genome. Single-cell sequencing can decode this information, but tissue dissociation destroys the spatial context needed to interpret it.
The Tissue Biology Group is a newly established lab at the MRC LMS, building spatial single-cell genomics technologies and screening platforms to reveal, cell by cell, how exposures remodel tissues and drive disease.
You will lead our work on resolving cell lineage in situ, developing DNA methylation barcodes for lineage reconstruction in intact tissue and adapting semi-permeable capsule chemistry for single-cell multiomic sequencing with spatial coordinates.
About You
You will need a PhD (or equivalent experience) in genomics, molecular biology, computational biology, bioengineering, or a related field. The first datasets will be the ones you generate, so you should be ready to work at the bench from day one and to analyse your own sequencing data. You should be strong in either experimental genomics or computational analysis, with clear evidence of aptitude and appetite for the other. Informal enquiries are welcome: a.russell@lms.mrc.ac.uk
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer 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 Assistance Programme, Health and Wellbeing Support, and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits
How to apply
For full details of this post and to complete an online application, click on the ‘Apply’ button above and upload your 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 2953.
*Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 Settlement Allowance and a Training Allowance rising from £850 to £1,800 over three years.
This role qualifies for endorsement by UKRI for a UK Global Talent Visa, for which the successful applicant is likely to be eligible to apply. We will also reimburse the cost of visa application (terms and conditions apply).
Closing date: 25th October 2026
Final appointment will be subject to pre-employment screening
Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff.
£42,694 per annum, plus London allowances £5,560 per annum