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View Vacancy -- Senior Investigator Scientist - MGU 1070
MRC Harwell Institute is an international biological research centre at the forefront of the use of mammalian models to study genetics and human diseases. Located on the Harwell Campus, just south of Oxford, it is nestled amongst a vibrant community of leading science organisations. We aim to advance medicine through cutting-edge research into the genetic basis of disease. Our research programmes span an entire lifetime, from embryonic development to diseases of ageing. There are over 300 staff at the Institute made up of research scientists, technicians, animal carers, and business support personnel.
More information about the MRC Harwell Institute can be found at http://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/
Unit name: Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute
Division/Section: Molecular Neurobiology
Job title: Senior Investigator Scientist
Salary range: £38,341 - £44,968
Band (Grade): 3
Contract type (e.g. Open/Fixed term): Open ended
Hours (e.g. full or part time): 36 Hours a week (full time)
We are seeking an outstanding senior postdoctoral researcher who is already highly skilled in cell biology to join the Molecular Neurobiology Programme at the MRC Harwell Institute headed by Peter Oliver, Associate Professor of Neuroscience. The group studies novel cellular and mouse models of neurological disease, and the successful applicant will use a combination of approaches to study the molecular mechanisms of neuronal cell death and dysfunction. This project will focus on a family of proteins mutated in a group of inherited neurological disorders - characterised by epilepsy and neurodegeneration, that also control the response of neurons to cellular stress (e.g. PMID 30335140 / 29905912 / 25753484). Therefore, the research plans provide an excellent opportunity for an ambitious cellular/molecular biologist; specifically, the candidate should have a proven track-record in primary neuronal culture and microscopy, a background in protein biology or electrophysiology, and a keen interest in studying rodent models of neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment and/or epilepsy.
This is an exciting and challenging position and the successful candidate will help supervise a junior postdoctoral scientist and PhD students, with full support from the state-of-the-art facilities for cell biology and mouse phenotyping offered by MRC Harwell.
Person requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Qualifications and Training:
Essential:
- PhD in appropriate discipline (e.g. Genetics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience) or equivalent experience
- High motivation to pursue a career in academic research science
- The ability to work in a multi-disciplinary collaboration and drive independent research
- The ability to communicate well with colleagues working in neuroscience research
- A proven track-record (e.g. publications/presentations at meetings) in carrying out scientific research to an international standard
Previous research experience required:
Essential:
- A proven, successful track record in neuronal cell biology
- A willingness to work with mouse models of disease
- A minimum of two first-author publications
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
- Excellent communication skills; for example, at meetings with collaborators
- Excellent organisation skills; for example, the ability to use multi-disciplinary approach to research
- Willingness to be imaginative and flexible
- Excellent supervisory skills to direct and support a junior postdoc. This includes abilities in short-term and long-term planning and ability to trouble-shoot.
- Meticulous care in documenting laboratory protocols and results
- Ability to present clearly and at a professional level
- Proven writing skills for grant applications and papers arising from research projects
Informal enquiries regarding this post can be addressed to: p.oliver@har.mrc.ac.uk
Closing Date for applications: 19th May 2019.
Interviews will be held on or around 5th June 2019.
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.