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 lead an internationally competitive research programme at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in the area of machine-learning/ artificial intelligence to further our understanding of biology at the molecular and/or cellular scale that will lead to solving long-term fundamental questions. You will draw on the knowledge and expertise of other colleagues both within and outside the LMB through collaborative inputs and team-working. Your research programme should be suitably ambitious to take full advantage of the outstanding and stable research environment at the LMB.
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
Working relationships:
You will report to the Joint Heads of Division. As an independent Research Group Leader, you will interact with scientists and support staff at all levels within Structural Studies and the LMB, and externally with senior personnel in the national and international research community, including research institutes, funding bodies and commercial companies.
Additional information:
Research Group Leader Tenure Track appointments will be made for those who have demonstrated the potential to develop into tenured Research Group Leaders within six years.
Candidates with appropriate levels of experience may be given responsibility for oversight of core scientific activities with the LMB.
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential: Ph.D. in a biological, physical or mathematical subject
Desirable: Significant track record with clear emphasis on quality rather than quantity, with relevance to the main aims of the post.
Previous work experience required:
Essential: Independent and internationally successful work on a relevant subject.
Knowledge and experience:
Essential:
Desirable:
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
We are looking for a dynamic individual with a flair for innovation and computational methods development who will contribute across the LMB as well as within the Division.
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.
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and 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.