View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - Cell Biology - Dr Ramanujan Hegde - LMB 2749

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.

Project 1

Overall purpose: 

To work within the Group of Ramanujan Hegde at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein maturation, quality control, and protein aggregation diseases. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate the process of protein quality control during the assembly of proteins and protein complexes. 

Main duties:

•    To undertake research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of protein quality control. 
•    To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
•    To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
•    To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field. 
•    To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
•    To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
•    To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.

Project 2

Overall purpose: 

To work within the Group of Ramanujan Hegde at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein maturation, quality control, and protein aggregation diseases. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate the process by which complex membrane proteins are inserted and assembled correctly at the endoplasmic reticulum. 

Main duties:

•    To undertake research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of membrane protein biogenesis. 
•    To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
•    To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
•    To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field. 
•    To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
•    To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
•    To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.

Key responsibilities:

Within the overall direction of the programme, the group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan. 

To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.

To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.

To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.

To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme. 

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Ramanujan Hegde and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.

Additional information:

These are three-year training and development positions for Postdoctoral Scientists who have recently completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research discipline or have limited experience of key transferable skills. We support Postdoctoral Scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:
•    MRC training courses.
•    External training and personal development courses.
•    One-to-one training with your Supervisor and other Scientists.

You will commit to undertaking the following:
•    Developing and following a personal development plan.
•    Attending training courses.
•    Identifying additional training which will support you to develop your career.

Academic qualifications: 

These should include a PhD in a relevant subject, or due to complete PhD within six months.

For the envisioned projects, relevant subjects for a PhD include biochemistry, structural biology, or biophysics.

Technical skills and expertise:

Project 1 

Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.  Essential skills for this project:

•    High level of proficiency with protein purification and biophysical characterization.
•    Experience with structure determination of proteins. 
•    Experience with analysis and interpretation of protein structures. 
•    Experience with in vitro reconstitution of protein function using biochemical and biophysical assays. 

Project 2

Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.  Essential skills for this project: 

•    High level of proficiency with protein purification and biophysical characterization.
•    Experience with structure determination of proteins. 
•    Experience with analysis and interpretation of protein structures. 
•    Experience with cell biological assays including mammalian cell culture and genetic manipulation. 
•    Knowledge of the biology of the endoplasmic reticulum and chaperones.

Track record of research:

Project 1

This will include contributions to published research papers and authoratiative review or methods articles as primary author.

Project 2

This will include contributions to published research papers as primary author. 

Other relevant evidence of:

•    Commitment 
•    Originality
•    Ability to communicate
•    Working with others

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements:

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.