View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 1044

Open Date
25/02/2019, 17:00
Close Date
28/03/2019, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
The London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) at Hammersmith
Hospital is the third directly funded MRC research institute and
enjoys close links with its partners at Imperial College and at the
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The LMS research
focuses on strengthening the basic science underpinning our
understanding of human diseases and the translation of such
high quality research into a clinical setting.
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 - 4
London
£35,340 - £38,181 p.a. inclusive*
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time
3 Years

Overall purpose:

The Cellular Identity and Metabolism group is headed by Dr Mathieu Latreille in the Genes & Metabolism section of the LMS. The group’s research is aimed at understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating endocrine cell fate decisions in the pancreas. The proposed research project objective is to understanding the epigenetic mechanisms underlying regeneration of insulin-producing β-cells in diabetes with the aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies fostering β-cell function and identity. We are looking for a highly-motivated, dedicated and creative scientist able to work independently and presenting multitasking abilities. The successful applicant must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or related field) with specialization in whole body metabolism and have expertise in mouse genetics and/or handling, molecular biology, cell culture and microscopy. Strong publication record (at least one published study in high rank journals) is essential.

 For more information, see the group’s website at www.lms.mrc.ac.uk/research-group/cellular-identity-metabolism/

 

Main duties / key responsibilities:

  • Plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
  • Interact and collaborate with group members
  • Provide training and advice for other group members including PhD students
  • Write-up and publish results in peer-reviewed journals
  • Take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS
  • Attend and contribute to lab meetings, journal clubs and seminar presentations
  • Present data at national and international meetings (where and when appropriate)
  • Form good working relationships with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators

Additional information:

This is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist position to support post-doctoral training and help establish successful research scientists in their chosen field. During the fellowship tenure we are committed to provide mentorship for career development and improvement of communication skills. We also offer a highly attractive benefits package including competitive salary and generous pension scheme.



Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):

Essential:

  • PhD (or equivalent experience) in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences or related fields with specialization in whole body metabolism

Desirable:

  • Possession of a Home Office Personal Licence (i.e. mouse work)


Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

  • Expertise in mouse genetics, handling, phenotyping
  • Basic molecular biology lab techniques including cell culture, DNA cloning, protein and RNA work
  • Understanding of whole body glucose and lipid metabolism

Desirable:

  • Prior experience in pancreatic islet isolation
  • Mouse embryology and/or development
  • Microscopy image analysis

 


Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

  • Strong publication record: at least one published study in high rank journals
  • Excellent experimental/bench work skills
  • Experience in planning and completing an independent research project
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable:

  • Presentations at scientific conferences

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

Essential:

  • Excellent laboratory skills
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Excellent attention to details
  • Excellent creativity
  • High-Motivation and perseverance
  • Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
  • Problem solving abilities
  • Proven multitasking abilities
  • Ability to work in a collaborative research environment
  • Willingness to give and receive help with challenging problems
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Willingness to share knowledge and transfer skills to other members of the group on a daily basis
  • The post holder should be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to time
  • Ability and willingness to adapt to changing timetables or work patterns as dictated by changing circumstances
  • Proven ability to prioritise, plan ahead and manage a high volume of work to meet deadlines, both prescribed and self-imposed
  • Ability to use own initiative and work independently and as part of a team, as required
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Ability to communicate its science in a clear way.

Applicants should submit one CV, a brief cover letter describing motivation and scientific interests and names and contacts of three scientific references.


*Salary quoted is inclusive of London weighting. Additional allowances comprise a £1,000 lump sum Settlement Allowance plus a yearly Training Allowance of £850 in the first year, paid in monthly instalments. The Training Allowance increases to £1,300 in year two, and £1,800 in the third year.

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.

This opportunity is closed to applications.