View Vacancy -- Research Support Officer - Structural Studies - Dr Kelly Nguyen - LMB 2753

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

Overall purpose: 

To work within the group of Dr Kelly Nguyen at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).

This is a research role funded by an external grant to support one or more projects with mammalian cell culture and protein expression within an overall programme investigating the molecular mechanism of telomere maintenance. 

To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research and supporting other lab members.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    Under the general leadership of the Group Leader, to assist in research aimed at understanding telomerase mechanisms
•    To express and purify proteins from bacteria, insect and mammalian cell lines.
•    To characterise the purified proteins and protein complexes using biochemical and biophysical
•    methods.
•    To maintain and transfect human cell lines 
•    To perform immunostaining and immunoblotting experiments
•    To assist in preparing samples for cryo-EM and cryo-ET
•    Keep detailed and accurate records.
•    To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local
•    policies and legal requirements.
•    To plan and manage your experimental work according to the objectives set by your supervisor.
•    To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the laboratory
•    To present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Kelly Nguyen. You will interact with other members of the group, and with other scientists at the LMB as necessary.

Education / qualifications / training required: 
Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cell or Molecular Biology or a related subject.
Desirable: Research Master’s degree in a related biological subject.

Previous work experience required: 

The candidate must have several of the essential skills listed below.
Essential:
• DNA construct design and cloning, including Gibson assembly, restriction cloning, bacteria transformation, and plasmid DNA isolation.
• Expression and purification of recombinant proteins from bacteria and/or human/insect cell lines using affinity, ion exchange, and/or size-exclusion chromatography.
• Experience in using automated protein purification systems.
• Biochemical characterisation of proteins: SDS-PAGE, western blotting
• Mammalian cell culture, including passaging and transfections.
Desirable:
• Working with challenging protein complexes.
• Biophysical characterisation of protein complexes (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Surface Plasmon Resonance, fluorescent activity assays, mass photometry, negative-stain transmission electron
microscopy)
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools e.g. SnapGene, BLAST, ChimeraX, PyMol, ImageJ, AlphaFold
• Independence in design and optimisation of experiments relevant to the post, including
troubleshooting.

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential:
• The ability to work safely without close supervision.
• The ability to follow complex protocols.
• Good communication skills to allow accurate information to be exchanged.
• Excellence in keeping lab records.
Desirable:
• Able to acquire new techniques quickly and independently.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential:
• Highly organised and detail-oriented individual.
• Willingness to independently develop, troubleshoot, and validate new methods or pipelines.
• A mature and conscientious attitude.
• Skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: 
•    Code of Conduct
•    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
•    Health and Safety policy
•    Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

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, the MRC and UKRI.  

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.