View Vacancy -- Research Support Officer - Structural Studies - Electron Microscopy Facility - LMB 2460

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

Band 4 & 5

The EM Facility houses 16 electron microscopes, including four Titan Krios (G4, G3i, and two G2) and four focused ion beam (FIB) scanning electron microscopes (Zeiss CrossBeam, Aquilos 2, Scios DualBeam, and Arctis).  Additionally, the Facility is equipped with a comprehensive suite of ancillary equipment for sample preparation.

The Facility provides access to approximately 160 users who use electron cryo-microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to investigate important biological questions. The LMB also leads research programs aimed at the development of new hardware and software for cryo-electron microscopy.

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Shaoxia Chen, Head of EM Facility, and will work in a team with other EM Facility staff. The Facility is overseen by a Group Leader, currently Andrew Carter. The post-holder will liaise with other Group Leaders, Research Support staff, Postdoctoral Scientists and students across the LMB and with external collaborators. Use of the Facility is driven by academic demand.

Band 4

Overall purpose:

To play a vital role in supporting and training Electron Microscopy (EM) Facility users at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), as well as in the maintenance and operation of state-of-the-art electron microscopes

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    Offer daily assistance and troubleshooting for users, by promptly addressing and resolving hardware and software issues.
•    Provide advice on best practices to ensure optimal usage of the Facility's resources.
•    Assist in the organisation and installation of new or replacement equipment and software, ensuring seamless integration into the facility.
•    Train new users to proficiently operate the Facility's electron microscopes and associated equipment.
•    Support or perform the setup of cryo-electron microscopy data collection to facilitate research.
•    Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for all protocols, procedures, and equipment.
•    Manage the user-booking system to ensure equitable access to the Facility's resources.
•    Collaborate with LMB scientists on research projects aimed at enhancing the performance, efficiency, and usability of the electron microscopes through software or hardware modifications.
•    Stay updated with developments in the field, proposing and implementing new techniques and directions as needed.
•    Introduce and apply innovative techniques across various disciplines to keep the Facility at the forefront of scientific research.
•    Contribute to lab-wide discussions on new developments and the implementation of cutting-edge techniques, ensuring the Facility remains a leader in electron microscopy research.

Band 5

Overall purpose:

To play a vital role in assisting the Electron Microscopy (EM) Facility in the maintenance and operation of state-of-the art electron microscopes.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

In collaboration with other Facility staff, your responsibilities will include:
•    Ensuring that ancillary equipment such as plasma cleaners, vacuum coaters, vitrobots, and glow dischargers operate smoothly.
•    Providing basic training and support to facility users.
•    Assisting users with sample preparation.
•    Managing cryo-specimen storage systems and liquid nitrogen supply.
•    Coordinating engineer visits for equipment maintenance.
•    Aiding other facility staff with tasks such as protocol writing, record keeping, and user communication.
•    Contributing to research projects focused on methodology development for cryo-electron microscopy.

Band 5

Additional information:

You will also have the opportunity to learn and apply advanced cryo-EM techniques such as single particle analysis, tomography, and FIB milling.

Band 4

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: 
•    PhD in biology, engineering, physics, materials sciences or equivalent level of experience or training in a relevant subject.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential:
•    Proficiency in using transmission electron microscopes.
•    Substantial experience in biological sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy. 
•    Excellent knowledge of cryo-electron microscopy techniques, such as single particles analysis, cryo-electron tomography.
•    Experience in user training and support.

Desirable:
•    Experience in the maintenance, repair and management of electron microscopes.
•    Experience in operating focused ion beam or equivalent tools.

Knowledge and experience: 

Technical skills

Essential:
•    Excellent knowledge of precision scientific or technical instrumentation.
•    Excellent knowledge of electron microscopy including an understanding of electron physics, optics and vacuum systems.
•    Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of Linux OS and image processing suites.

Creativity and initiative

Desirable:
•    Experience in the design of technical instrumentation. 
•    Experience in creative and insightful troubleshooting of complex problems.
•    Experience in the development of new protocols or new methodologies in technical fields.  

Independent working

Essential:
•    Ability to acquire new techniques independently. 
•    Ability to self-motivate.
•    Ability to organise work and time efficiently.
•    Ability to work accurately using a defined protocol. 
•    Ability to independently carry out scientific experimental programme, including design, analysis and write-up. 

Desirable:
•    Ability to prioritise a demanding workload under pressure.
 

Verbal and written communication skills

Essential:
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    The ability to communicate at different levels of technical complexity with both novice and advanced users, as well as experts including service engineers.
•    Experience in writing protocols or help-sheets. 

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    Excellent standards of professional conduct.
•    Strong skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.
•    A pro-active and conscientious attitude to work.   

Band 5

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: 
•    BSc or an equivalent level of training in engineering, sciences or a related technical field.

Desirable: 
•    MSc or an equivalent level of training in engineering, sciences or a related technical field.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Experience working with precision scientific or technical instrumentation.

Desirable:
•    Experience in the maintenance or installation of precision scientific or technical instrumentation.
•    Experience working with electron microscopes. 

Knowledge and experience: 

Technical skills

Essential: 
•    The ability to acquire new techniques quickly.
•    Good IT skills.

Desirable: 
•    Experience in the design of technical instrumentation. 

Creativity and initiative

Essential: 
•    Proven skills in self-motivation. A strong desire to learn new techniques.

Desirable:
•    Has developed new protocols or new methodologies in technical fields.  

Independent working

Essential:
•    Proven skills in working independently to solve problems.
•    The ability to perform technical tasks accurately using a defined protocol.

Verbal and written communication skills

Essential: 
•    Very good verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable: 
•    The ability to communicate at all levels of technical complexity with both novices and experts.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential:
•    Excellent standards of conduct.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills.
•    An ability to work well as a member of a small team.
•    A pro-active and conscientious attitude to work.  

Desirable: 
•    Experience in liaising with users/customers.
•    Ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.  

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.