Applications for the LMB PhD programme are now open. Deadline 5 December 2023.
About Us
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a research institute dedicated to the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms. In doing so, we provide knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.
Our scientists tackle fundamental, often difficult and long-term research problems. The LMB has made revolutionary contributions to science, such as pioneering X-ray crystallography and electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Twelve Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out by LMB scientists.
The LMB also promotes the application and exploitation of our research findings, both by collaboration with existing companies and the founding of new ones, helping to advance medical research and the translation and application of knowledge.
The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both young and established researchers, with state-of-the-art facilities and a unique scientific culture. The LMB has always been very diverse, with a truly international outlook. We currently employ men and women from over 50 countries, and LMB alumni work in research organisations across the world.
Insight on Research
Low energy cryo-EM to widen accessibility for fast and accurate structure determination

A collaborative team lead by Chris Russo’s group in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division has developed a new electron cryo-microscope, capable of solving atomic structures at a fraction of the energy and cost of existing models.
First map of wireless communication in the nervous system

The entire wireless neuropeptide signalling network of a whole animal, the nematode worm C. elegans, has been mapped for the first time by William Schafer’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division and collaborators.
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Latest News
2023 Crick Lecture to be given by Jill Banfield
The 2023 Francis Crick Lecture titled ‘Innovating metagenomics to explore the strange world of archaeal extrachromosomal elements’ will be given by Jill Banfield at 11AM (GMT) on Monday 27th November. […]
2023 Perutz Lecture to be given by Paola Picotti
The 2023 Max Perutz Lecture titled ‘Decoding the protein dance’ will be given by Paola Picotti at 11AM (GMT) on 20th November. […]
Latest Publications
- Disease-specific tau filaments assemble via polymorphic intermediates.
Lövestam, S., et al.
Nature [Epub ahead of print]. (29th November 2023) - On the origin of the nucleus: a hypothesis.
Baum, B., Spang, A.
Microbiol Mol Biol Rev : e0018621 [Epub ahead of print]. (29th November 2023) - Live-cell three-dimensional single-molecule tracking reveals modulation of enhancer dynamics by NuRD.
Basu, S., et al.
Nat Struct Mol Biol 30(11): 1628-1639. (28th November 2023) - Author Correction: Changing the public perception of human embryology.
Rivron, NC., et al.
Nat Cell Biol [Epub ahead of print]. (27th November 2023) - A molnupiravir-associated mutational signature in global SARS-CoV-2 genomes.
Sanderson, T., Hisner, R., Donovan-Banfield, I., Hartman, H., Løchen, A., Peacock, TP., Ruis, C.
Nature 623(7987): 594-600. (25th November 2023) - A direct interaction between CPF and RNA Pol II links RNA 3' end processing to transcription.
Carminati, M., Rodríguez-Molina, JB., Manav, MC., Bellini, D., Passmore, LA.
Mol Cell [Epub ahead of print]. (23rd November 2023) - Toll-like receptor signalling via IRAK4 affects epithelial integrity and tightness through regulation of junctional tension.
Peterson, J., Sivars, KB., Bianco, A., Röper, K.
Development [Epub ahead of print]. (23rd November 2023)
See more Publications