MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist – LMS 990

Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism Group

(3 Year fixed term)

Salary: £35,340 – £38,181 pa inclusive*

London, UK

A 3-year postdoctoral position is available at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) to work in the Drug Transport and Tumour Metabolism group headed by Dr. Louise Fets. The LMS is an Institute funded by the MRC and part of the Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College. We are located on the Hammersmith Hospital Campus in West London (W12). The institute has first-class facilities and provides investigators from clinical and basic science backgrounds with the opportunity to pursue innovative, multidisciplinary research within the excellence of Imperial College. For more information, visit https://lms.mrc.ac.uk

It is becoming increasingly clear that a large number of drugs ‘hijack’ plasma membrane transporters in order to enter the cell, rather than passing through the lipid bilayer. Our aim is to understand the role of transmembrane transporters in mediating drug uptake at the cellular level, and how this intersects with the role of these proteins in metabolism. Focusing on the uptake of chemotherapeutic compounds, we combine in silico analyses with cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and metabolomics to explore how transporter-mediated drug uptake affects specificity, selectivity and toxicity of our compounds of interest. Also, by studying the role of the transporters in cancer metabolism, we aim to exploit their underlying biology to drive efficient drug uptake.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant life sciences or biomedical discipline and have a strong interest in pharmacology and metabolism. Extensive experience in molecular biology techniques and cell culture are essential, as is an excellent track record of independent research. Applicants should also have expertise in at least one of the following areas: cancer biology, metabolism/metabolomics, pharmacology, computational biology/bioinformatics. The successful candidate will have the ability to develop and apply new concepts, have good attention to detail and a creative approach to problem solving, and additionally be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication.

This is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist position providing training and development, supporting post-doctoral scientists in early or changed career paths helping establish them as successful research scientists in their chosen field. The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings.