Types of work
A vast range of career opportunities are available across the Medical Research Council. Over 3,000 people are employed in research establishments throughout the UK, two research units in Africa and administrative centres in London, Cambridge Oxford and Swindon.
Visit our vacancies page for current opportunities.
Research work
An important part of our mission is to develop the UK’s research leaders of tomorrow. We place great emphasis on attracting and training the brightest minds, and on investing in their futures through structured career development training complemented by ‘on-the-job’ learning.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a senior researcher, the MRC offers rewarding career opportunities across the biomedical sciences. We have 29 research units and three institutes in the UK, where staff pursue innovative, world-class research in areas of major importance to human health.
Type of post |
Description |
Career development opportunities |
Career Development Fellow (including clinicians) |
Post-doctoral research scientists in need of transferable skills training to establish research careers, or new research skills to enable them to change discipline. |
Appointments are on non-renewable fixed-term contracts, for a minimum of two years and typically for three years. However, Career Development Fellows may then apply for other MRC research posts. |
Investigator Scientist (including Clinical Investigator Scientist) |
Research scientists capable of project design and experimentation and/or possessing high level specialist skills. |
Appointments are on either a permanent or fixed-term contract basis. Future opportunities include promotion to Senior Investigator Scientist or to other research scientist categories. |
Programme-leader Track scheme |
Scientists with post-doctoral research experience and with the potential to lead independent programmes following a further period of personal development, supervision and training. |
Appointments are made on open-ended contracts, and are intended to lead to transfer to full Programme Leader status following successful completion of a six-year personal development programme. |
Programme Leader |
Research scientists of national and international standing able to lead independent research programmes. |
Appointments are made on open-ended contracts. Ongoing employment is conditional on successful peer review every five years. |
Management and administration
In a large national organisation such as the MRC, efficient operational services are vital to keep our key scientific activities running smoothly. We offer many different types of management and administrative job opportunities in a wide range of locations - at our MRC head office locations in London and Swindon and our research units.
The type of opportunities that arise include facilities assistants, purchase ledger clerks, specialist human resources and finance/accounts posts, through to programme managers that manage the strategic direction of the organisation and advise MRC-funded scientists in universities and senior posts. Whichever you apply for, you can look forward to learning new skills and developing a rewarding career. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is supporting pioneering science aimed at improving people's health.
Support roles
Our scientific support staff make a vital contribution to the success of the biomedical research carried out in MRC units throughout the UK.
Research project support
- Staff in this area support specific research projects with their specialist scientific or technical skills. Specialist areas include: anatomy, animal behaviour, antibody techniques, cell biology, computing and data management, molecular biology, electron microscopy, electrophoresis, flow cytometry, histology, HPLC and related techniques, imaging techniques, lipid/steroid chemistry, NMR, parasitology/mycology, physiology, psychology, nursing, medical physics, statistics, management of clinical trials.
Technical services
- Technical services staff carry out a wide range of technical tasks in our units, enabling the researchers to concentrate on core scientific work. These activities include animal care, audiology, bacteriology, biochemistry, cell culture, computing and data management, electron microscopy, electrophoresis, engineering and electrical services, flow cytometry, gas chromatography, haematology, immunology, karotyping, mass spectroscopy, media preparation, molecular biology, organic chemistry, protein chemistry, radiography, and virology.
Infrastructure
- Infrastructure staff carry out the wide range of building and general facilities services needed in a busy research unit. Typical work areas include catering, cleaning, engineering and plant maintenance, estate and grounds maintenance, health and safety, laboratory services, library and information services, reception and portering, security, stores and transport.
There are no formal entry requirements for scientific support posts. However, staff working in research project support and technical services are usually expected to have a relevant science or vocational qualification or previous laboratory experience.