View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr John Briggs - LMB 1181

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 work at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) within the Groups of  Dr John Briggs and Dr Sjors Scheres, in collaboration with the electron microscopy facility, to develop and apply methods for automated, high-throughput screening of cryo-EM grids. Specifically to develop novel scripts and protocols to allow a transmission electron microscope equipped with autoloader, FEG and direct detector to screen cryo-EM grids with the optimal combination of throughput and quality. This will require writing image processing software as well as microscope control scripts Further to support users and facility staff in making use of these scripts and protocols making use of the electron microscope and associated computing resources.

Main duties:

•    To undertake research aimed at developing and optimising methods and pipelines for automated high-throughput screening of cryo-electron microscopy grids.
•    To support other scientists and facility staff to apply the methods and pipelines developed to use the electron microscope and associated computational resources.
•    To collaborate with other scientists in order to disseminate expertise in cryo-electron microscopy and computational image processing.
•    To perform all steps of cryo-electron microscopy including sample preparation, microscopy and computational image processing.
•    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 Groups, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leaders, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a 3 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 Briggs and Dr Scheres and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students in those groups, the EM facility, across the LMB and with external Groups as necessary.

Additional information:

This is a 3-year training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has 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.

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:

These should include a PhD in a relevant subject or due to complete PhD within 6 months.

Technical skills and expertise:

Essential:

Substantial experience in computational image processing or machine learning.
A high level of competency in scripting or programming AND/OR experience in cryo-electron microscopy.

Desirable:

Experience in operating electron microscopes.
Knowledge of electron microscopy software.
Knowledge of biological cryo-electron microscopy.
A high level of competency in scripting or programming.

Track record of research:

Essential:
Has made significant contributions either to high-quality scientific results which have been or will be published in a peer-reviewed international journal, or to high-level technical developments, which have resulted in advances in computational image processing or microscope software.

Desirable:
Has developed new techniques/methodologies in image processing or electron microscopy, which have added value to scientific work.

Other relevant evidence of:

Excellent standards of research conduct.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to communicate at all levels of technical complexity appropriate to the listener.
Strong skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.
Proven skills in working independently to solve problems.
Good time management.
Commitment and self-motivation.