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Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Ingo Greger - LMB 293
Open Date
19/08/2016, 12:15
Close Date
21/09/2016, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
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 X-ray crystallography of proteins, 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.
With the new laboratory 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.
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.
With the new laboratory 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
MRC – PostDoc
Cambridge
£28,007 - £30,791
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time
Until 10 August 2019
Overall purpose:
To work within the Group of Dr Ingo Greger at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at studying AMPAR dynamics during synaptic plasticity. This is an interdisciplinary project in collaboration with Prof Ole Paulsen (electrophysiology), Prof Jason Chin (orthogonal chemistry) and Dr Nick Barry (super-resolution microscopy). Of particular interest will be an understanding of the receptor N-terminal domain and its involvement in AMPA receptor signalling and clustering. We will use a series of approaches to investigate synaptic AMPA receptor dynamics with high precision. AMPAR varieties will be expressed in conditional AMPAR ko mouse strains using viral transduction. Recordings will be undertaken on acutely isolated hippocampal slices. Imaging and bioorthogonal chemistry will involve neuronal cultures. You will work in collaboration with another post-doc based in Prof Paulsen’s laboratory.
There is considerable need for creativity in identifying novel approaches and techniques for this multidisciplinary project. You are expected to make independent decisions on a day-to-day basis and make major contributions to completion of the project.
While advice will be available from Dr Greger and his collaborators (Profs. Chin, Paulsen and Dr Barry), you will need to have a sound theoretical understanding of the underlying principles and the experimental skills and creativity to drive the project independently. Attendance at meetings, seminars etc. and keeping up-to-date with scientific literature is expected.
Main duties
• To undertake research aimed at unravelling dynamics of synaptic AMPA receptors.
• 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 draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• 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, the Group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan.
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 polices 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 enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.
Working relationships:
You will report to Dr Ingo Greger and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students, not only in your Group, but also across the LMB and with external Groups as necessary.
Additional information:
This is a training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has 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.
To work within the Group of Dr Ingo Greger at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at studying AMPAR dynamics during synaptic plasticity. This is an interdisciplinary project in collaboration with Prof Ole Paulsen (electrophysiology), Prof Jason Chin (orthogonal chemistry) and Dr Nick Barry (super-resolution microscopy). Of particular interest will be an understanding of the receptor N-terminal domain and its involvement in AMPA receptor signalling and clustering. We will use a series of approaches to investigate synaptic AMPA receptor dynamics with high precision. AMPAR varieties will be expressed in conditional AMPAR ko mouse strains using viral transduction. Recordings will be undertaken on acutely isolated hippocampal slices. Imaging and bioorthogonal chemistry will involve neuronal cultures. You will work in collaboration with another post-doc based in Prof Paulsen’s laboratory.
There is considerable need for creativity in identifying novel approaches and techniques for this multidisciplinary project. You are expected to make independent decisions on a day-to-day basis and make major contributions to completion of the project.
While advice will be available from Dr Greger and his collaborators (Profs. Chin, Paulsen and Dr Barry), you will need to have a sound theoretical understanding of the underlying principles and the experimental skills and creativity to drive the project independently. Attendance at meetings, seminars etc. and keeping up-to-date with scientific literature is expected.
Main duties
• To undertake research aimed at unravelling dynamics of synaptic AMPA receptors.
• 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 draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• 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, the Group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan.
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 polices 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 enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.
Working relationships:
You will report to Dr Ingo Greger and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students, not only in your Group, but also across the LMB and with external Groups as necessary.
Additional information:
This is a training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has 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.
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential: PhD in neuroscience/physics or due to complete doctoral studies within 6 months of applying (in a biological subject).
Desirable: Background in (ligand-gated) ion channels, synaptic transmission.
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
• Experience with brain slice recordings.
• Previous exposure to imaging techniques.
Desirable:
• Experience with ligand-gated ion channels.
• Experience with imaging techniques (super-resolution microscopy).
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and Initiative
Essential:
• Ability to carry out experimental programme utilising a combination of approaches and techniques from the different disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop novel experimental approaches e.g. new methodologies and techniques.
• Ability to contribute ideas and provide support to other projects in the Groups.
Desirable: Has developed new techniques/methodologies which have added value to scientific work.
Independent working
Essential: Proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems.
Desirable: Proven record of independent project advancement.
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential: Experience in presenting scientific work, both written and orally.
Desirable: Has made contributions to scientific papers.
Mentoring
Desirable: Has experience of training others "on the job".
Collaborations/ Influencing Skills
Essential: Has strong skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.
Desirable: Willing to gather new experience by visiting laboratories of collaborators.
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential: Motivated individual with a strong desire for self and team development.
Desirable: Capable of working between research groups.
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. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
This opportunity is closed to applications.