View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - PNAC - Dr Roger Williams - LMB 1625

Open Date

28/07/2021, 09:00

Close Date

26/08/2021, 23:55

Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Research Institute / Unit Information

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies.  The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease.  We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology.  However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive.  Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers.  Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org
Band MRC – PostDoc

Location Cambridge

Salary £32,302 - £35,143 per annum

Contract Type Fixed Term

Job Type Science

Full Time / Part Time Full Time

Contract Length 3 years

Job Description

Overall purpose:

To work within the group of Roger Williams at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), on a Cancer Research UK-funded programme aimed at understanding lysosomal control of cell proliferation and stress responses in cancer cells. There are two posts available. These posts will focus on the reconstitution of large signalling assemblies that detect nutritional and stress signals on and off membranes. The candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers investigating structures, regulation, kinetics and dynamics of phosphoinositide 3-kinase family members reconstituted with their regulators on membrane surfaces. This programme concerns regulation of lipid kinase VPS34 and protein kinase mTOR and ATM-containing complexes and combines biochemical, biophysical and cell biological methods with structural approaches.

This is a unique opportunity to play a major role in exciting programmes, introduce new ideas, and disseminate research results, while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree and should have practical experience in single-particle cryo-EM, electron cryo-tomography, structural mass spectrometry or computational structural biology. Experience with high-resolution cell imaging is also desirable. The ability to help foster collaborative spirit within the group and LMB is essential.

Main duties:

• To undertake research and develop techniques aimed at addressing the specific project areas in the Williams group described above.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the Laboratory and at external meetings.
• To contribute to Laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
• To contribute to the preparation of research for publication and draft scientific papers.
• To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
• To assist in the training of PhD Students and other members of the LMB.

Key responsibilities:

Within the overall direction of the programme, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year time span.

To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.

To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.

To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.

To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the Group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

To interact effectively and smoothly with a wide range of staff, students and others to ensure the successful running of the research group.

To foster the collaborative spirit and exchange of skills and ideas within the group and across LMB.

To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.

Working relationships:

You will report to Roger Williams and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students across the LMB and with additional external Groups as necessary. 

Additional Information

These are three-year training and development positions for Postdoctoral Scientists who have recently completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research discipline or have limited experience of key transferable skills. You will get the choice upon appointment of undertaking a Career Development Fellowship or the MRC Post-Doctoral Training Scheme.

We support Postdoctoral Scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

• MRC training courses.
• External training and personal development courses.
• One-to-one training with your Supervisor and other Scientists.

You will commit to undertaking the following:

• Developing and following a personal development plan.
• Attending training courses.
• Identifying additional training which will support you to develop your career.

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 and the MRC.

Person Specification

Academic qualifications:

These should include a PhD in a relevant subject or due to complete a PhD within 6 months.

Technical skills and expertise:

Experience with and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.

Particularly useful would be experience of some of the following:

• Core molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with techniques of structural biology, particularly cryo-EM, cryo-ET, structural mass spectrometry or X-ray crystallography.
• Knowledge of basic enzyme kinetics and assay design.
• Familiarity with large-scale protein expression and purification.

Track record of research:

This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of:

• Commitment.
• Originality.
• Ability to communicate.
• Working with others.

Additional information:

The postholder should be motivated and have enthusiasm for structural biology as a means to understand the mechanisms of biological regulation.

She or he will be responsible for design and actualising a research programme and communicating goals within the research team.

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.