View Vacancy -- MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS - 2006

Overall purpose:

Research in the Metabolism and Gene Regulation group led by Dr Santiago Vernia focuses on the molecular mechanisms leading to insulin resistance, inflammation and cardiovascular complications associated with obesity. Current research interests in the lab include the characterization of pre-mRNA splicing programs involved in hepatic metabolism and multi-organ communication.The post holder will directly contribute to this work by combining mechanistic assays in culture, in vivo mouse models, high throughput proteomics and next-generation sequencing.

Job Summary

You will work in a focussed and organised manner to produce independent and original research within the group, deliver the scientific aims of the project and aid in the submission of publications to refereed journals. You will also help with supervising students and contribute to the smooth running of the research group.

Main Responsibilities:

• To plan and carry out research in accordance with agreed project aims
• To take initiatives in the planning of research
• To formulate and test hypothesis to progress the research project
• To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection of data
• To conduct data analysis ensuring its validity and reliability of data at all times
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• To run analyses and tests using specified and agreed techniques and models
• To help with the smooth running, organization of the laboratory and ensuring that GLP is observed in all procedures directly related to the research project
• To prioritise tasks within agreed work schedules
• To contribute to writing bids for research grants
• To attend all project and related research group meetings
• To interact and collaborate with researchers in related projects
• Write-up and publication of work in peer-reviewed journals
• To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS
• To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations
• Presentation of data at national and international meetings (where and when appropriate)
• To form good working relationships with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators
• To assist others and co-supervise students when required

This is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist position providing training and development supporting post-doctoral scientists in early or changed career paths helping establish them as successful research scientists in their chosen field.

 Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline and extensive experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques. A proven publication record, with at least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed international journal is also essential. Expertise in cell signalling and/or metabolism and previous experience with mouse models would be an advantage. The successful candidate must also have the ability to develop and apply new concepts, have a creative approach to problem solving, and be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication.

Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Essential:

• PhD (or equivalent) in the role of pre-mRNA splicing factors in metabolic regulation

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

• Extensive experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques

and

• Previous experience with mouse models for gain- and loss-of-function of specific genes in liver and adipose tissue

and

• Previous experience in the study of metabolism/cell signaling and relevant techniques involved

and

• Previous experience in the study of splicing and alternative splicing and relevant techniques involved

Desirable:

• Prior experience with the processing and analysis of genome-wide data sets
• Experience in computational biology, specifically relating to the efficient processing and analysis of short read data generated by next generation sequencing experiments (ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq) and/or proteomics (TMT-MS)

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

• A keen interest in metabolism
• A proven publication record, with at least one first author publication in a peer-reviewed international journal
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication

Desirable:

• Experience in bioinformatics

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:

Essential:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (both in situ and remotely with international collaborators)
• Evidence of ability to conduct research independently, from the planning stages to execution and write-up
• the desire to learn and acquire new skills and to pro-actively seek novel and creative solutions to scientific problems.
• Willingness to share knowledge and skills with other members of the group on a daily basis.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to constructively criticize one’s own and others results