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 X-ray crystallography of proteins, 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.
With the opening of our new laboratory the LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both young 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 direct an internationally competitive research programme within the Cell Biology Division relevant to the Laboratory of Molecular Biology’s (LMB) research portfolio, drawing on the collaborative inputs and team-working of other colleagues both within and outside MRC.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
• To develop and lead a programme of research addressing fundamental processes in cell or tissue biology and/or developing methods relevant to such research.• To recruit and supervise a small team of PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows. • To complete research projects in a timely manner and publish the results in leading scientific journals.• To present the results of the research at national and international conferences.• To contribute to LMB-wide activities relating to organisation of scientific activities and technological infrastructure. • To contribute to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees, editing specialist journals, refereeing funding applications.• To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and to other public communications initiatives.• To ensure that any intellectual property is protected and, where possible, translating the results of research into useful new approaches or treatments that improve human health.
Working relationships:
You will report to the Head of Division. As an independent Group Leader (Programme Leader Track) you will be expected to interact with Scientists and Support Staff within the Cell Biology Division and the rest of the LMB, and externally with members of the national and international research community.
Additional information:
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 and the MRC.
Academic qualifications and experience:
PhD in a relevant subject.
Experience in studying fundamental processes in molecular, cell, or tissue biology, or developing methods relevant to the study of cells and tissues.
Independent and successful work as a postdoc in a relevant subject.
Technical skills and expertise:
Essential: • Research interests that fit well with the present and future science of the Division.• Experience of planning and developing projects or programmes of work.
Desirable: • Evidence of having influenced wider practice or knowledge in the field. • A very ambitious or innovative research proposal.
Track record of research:
This will include discoveries and significant achievements, and published papers preferably as first author.
Other relevant evidence of:
• Independent working and decision making• Excellent standards of research conduct• Mentoring and team supervision• Originality• Influencing skills• Communication skills• Collaboration• Leadership• Intellectual Property
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.
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