Investigator Scientist
Company: UKRI
Role summary
Investigator Scientist is a full-time role at UKRI in London, England, United Kingdom (on-site). Posted 2026-10-27. Salary: GBP 44,801–52,631 per year. Experience level: 5-10. No degree required.
- Job title
- Investigator Scientist
- Company
- UKRI
- Location
- London, England, United Kingdom
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Employment type
- full-time
- Category
- Healthcare Support
- Salary
- GBP 44,801–52,631 per year
- Experience level
- 5-10
- Degree required
- No
- Date posted
- 2026-10-27
If you have a passion for biological research, this permanent role at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences offers a stable environment to dive deep into high-throughput imaging and behavioural assays. It is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific discovery in a world-class facility, with the added benefit of a competitive salary and London-based support.
Job description
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 - UK Research and Innovation
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 .
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