Job Description

Investigator Scientist (Roving Researcher) (LMS 2369)

Salary: £42,159 – 44,801 plus London Allowance (£5,560) per annum
(Higher salary of £44,801 - £47,071 plus London Allowance (£5,560) per annum will be available for candidates with significant relevant experience)

2 Year fixed-term with the possibility to make permanent | Full Time | Location: Hammersmith London

Closing Date: 21 June

Overall purpose:

The Roving Researcher role is to provide experimental support to researchers on long-term leave (e.g. parental leave, long-term sick leave). Working with scientists across the Institute, the job-holder, together with the Researcher on Leave (RoL) and group leader, will develop a research plan to maintain the momentum of the research over the period of leave. While applicants should be able to demonstrate high levels of lab competency in cell and molecular biology (e.g. tissue culture, PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, western blotting, immunostaining, mouse work), training in specific lab techniques will be provided. The job-holder will be expected to support, but not fully replace, any researcher on leave. The level of work required to maintain each project will be identified in advance of periods of leave. It is anticipated that the job-holder will work simultaneously on up to 2-3 projects.

This post would suit an experienced, highly-organised researcher who enjoys wet-lab work, collaborating across teams and who is keen to continue to develop and expand their skillset. This is a unique position within the institute and the Roving Researcher will have the opportunity to take part in a wide-range of life sciences research across the LMS to achieve our research goals. The position is available from March 2024, but the start date can be flexible.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

• Working with researchers on leave and group leaders to agree and implement experimental plans

• Plan and organise their time effectively to be able to work across 2 (on rare occasion 3) teams simultaneously

• Communicating effectively across teams - including with the researchers on leave, group heads and line managers.

• Assisting with data analysis, experiment interpretation and future planning
• Contributing to external presentations and publications
• Carrying out routine maintenance tasks required for the projects (e.g. feeding cells, maintaining fly stocks, etc.)

• Undergo training in new techniques and/or train others

Person Requirements

Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application form):

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline or equivalent experience

Desirable:

• At least 2 years’ postdoctoral experience

Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application form and at the interview):

Essential:

• Extensive laboratory experience in an area close to the Institute’s science (Epigenetics and Genes & Metabolism)
• Expertise in molecular and cell biology techniques, including tissue culture, cloning, PCR, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunostaining
• Experience handling different cell lines
• Experience handling a diverse lab workload and running multiple projects concurrently
• Willingness to learn pertinent skills
• Experience in training others
• Proven ability to produce publication-quality data
• Experience working with mice as well as other model organisms (Drosophila, C. elegans), preferably a holder of a Home Office Personal License
• Background in epigenetics/developmental biology/metabolism/aging

Desirable:

• Experience working with mice as well as other model organisms (Drosophila, C. elegans), preferably a holder of a Home Office Personal License
• Background in epigenetics/developmental biology/metabolism/aging

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application form and at the interview):

Essential:

• Ability to plan, execute and record scientific studies
• Ability to prioritise and work on multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to communicate in the English language to a level appropriate for the position
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with staff at all levels
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to clearly present technical and conceptual information both verbally and in writing
• Excellent organisational skills, with good time management.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office

Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

Essential:

• Excellent communicator with a proven track record of collaborating effectively across diverse teams
• Highly adaptable, with the ability to work successfully with different people and navigate frequent changes in dynamic environments
• Ability to make independent decisions and solve routine problems
• Empathy with the life sciences work of the Institute
• A proactive attitude towards trouble-shooting and moving projects forward in collaboration with others
• Willing to work flexible hours when required by experimental needs
• Awareness and understanding of the benefits of an equal and diverse workplace
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people

Additional information:

Applicants should submit a maximum two-page CV, a brief cover letter describing scientific interests and motivation for the post and names and contacts of two scientific references.

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

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. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

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.