Postdoctoral Scientist / Investigator Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Jan Löwe - LMB 329

Postdoctoral Scientist

Overall purpose:

To work within the Group of Dr Jan Löwe at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at imaging intracellular structures in bacteria using electron cryo-tomography. Specifically, to investigate, develop and perform FIB-milling procedures for the fabrication of cylindrical specimen, or lift-out procedures, in order to overcome the missing wedge problem in conventional tomography. Other approaches might involve growing cells into thin capillaries for the same purpose. The final aim of the project will be the application to the imaging of FtsZ rings and other filaments in bacteria and the elucidation of their structures at highest attainable resolutions.

Main duties:

•  To undertake research aimed at imaging intracellular structures in bacteria using electron cryo-tomography.
•  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, especially on the FIB milling machine.
•  To assist the EM facility with maintaining the FIB milling infrastructure.

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

Working relationships:

You will report to Jan Löwe and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students, not only in your Group, but also within the EM facility and across the LMB and with external Groups as necessary.

Additional information:

This is a three-year 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.

Investigator Scientist

Overall purpose: 

To work within the Group of Dr Jan Löwe at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at imaging intracellular structures in bacteria using electron cryo-tomography. Specifically, to investigate, develop and perform FIB-milling procedures for the fabrication of cylindrical specimen, or lift-out procedures, in order to overcome the missing wedge problem in conventional tomography. Other approaches might involve growing cells into thin capillaries for the same purpose. The final aim of the project will be the application to the imaging of FtsZ rings and other filaments in bacteria and the elucidation of their structures at highest attainable resolutions.

To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others.

To be a focus of expertise on electron cryo-tomography and FIB/SEM and FIB milling within LMB's EM facility and the entire institute.

Main duties:

•  Under the general leadership of the Group Leader, to be responsible for all aspects of the research projects, including defining the direction of the work, conducting the research, analysing the data, preparing the work for publication and disseminating the results at meetings.
•  To present your work at seminars within the Laboratory and at external meetings.
•  To contribute to Laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the Laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment.
•  To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
•  To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
•  To prepare the research for publication.
•  To work in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
•  To train Students, Postdoctoral Scientists and others and line management of Group members where appropriate.
•  To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.

Key Responsibilities:

The key responsibility is to undertake cutting edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the Research Group.  You will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to deliver the research and to play a major role in shaping the overall aims and success of the group.
While some advice will be available from others in the Laboratory, you will be expected to have the skill and understanding to be able to act independently in solving problems, many of which may require novel approaches.  This will require the integration of different activities to ensure the successful delivery of the research projects.
To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches. 
To interact effectively with a wide range of Staff, Students and others to ensure the smooth running of the Research Group. This will include setting an example in the effective use of resources, training others in methods and use of equipment and taking responsibility for the use of communal facilities. 
To potentially take on specific responsibilities for managing equipment.
To write scientific papers and to present at internal meetings and at conferences.  
To ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
To recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and to cooperate in patent protection and in exploitation.
To identify new equipment which will assist the Group programme and to present argued cases for new purchases.
To identify opportunities for additional funding and to apply for external grants where appropriate.
Where line management responsibilities are undertaken, these responsibilities, including staff development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided if required.

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Löwe and will liaise with other Research Support Staff, Postdoctoral Scientists and Students, not only in your Group but also across the LMB and with external collaborators. 

Postdoctoral Scientist

Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Essential: PhD in a biological or biophysical/physics subject or due to complete doctoral studies within 6 months of applying.
Desirable: PhD topic in electron cryo-tomography, FIB milling, scanning electron microscopy, general EM.

Previous work experience required:

Essential: Experience with TEM microscopes, FIB milling, SEM microscopes.

Knowledge and experience:

Creativity and Initiative
Essential:
•  Ability to carry out experimental programme.
•  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.

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.

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential: Motivated individual with a strong desire for self and team development.

Investigator Scientist

Education / Qualifications / Training required: 

Essential: PhD in a relevent biological or biophysical/physics subject.
Desirable: PhD topic in electron cryo-tomography, FIB milling, scanning electron microscopy, general EM.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: Significant postdoctoral research experience with TEM microscopes, FIB milling, SEM microscopes.

Knowledge and experience: 

Specific Research Skills 
Essential: Ability to perform modern electron microscopy, including any number of; transmission cryoEM, cryo tomography, cryo FIB milling and the associated data processing and analysis.
Desirable: Application of the above to cells, either prokaryotic or eukaryotic or similarly thick and complex samples.

Creativity and Initiative
Essential: 
•  Has developed new techniques/methodologies which have added value to scientific work. 
•  Experience/results in cutting edge research.

Desirable: Have independent scientific recognition

Independent working
Essential: Proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems.

Verbal and written communication skills
Essential: Experience in presenting scientific work, both written and orally.
Desirable: Good quality first author publications in relevant field.

Mentoring
Essential: Has experience of training others "on the job".
Desirable: Line management experience.

Collaborations/ Influencing Skills
Essential: Has strong skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.

Intellectual Property
Essential: Understanding of how research activities are affected by and will impact on MRC’s mission statements on knowledge transfer.

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential:
• Excellent standards of research conduct.
• Highly-motivated.
• Strong team player.
• Capable of taking independent decisions.
• Collaborative.