View Vacancy -- Research Support Assistant - Cell Biology - Dr Madeline Lancaster - LMB 1190

Open Date
03/10/2019, 10:00
Close Date
24/10/2019, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

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.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 5
Cambridge
£23,489 - £26,338
Fixed Term
Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time
9 months

Overall purpose:

To work within the Group of Dr Madeline Lancaster at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding brain development in cerebral organoids. The post holder will assist researchers in the preparation of cerebral organoids and preparing and evaluating experiments under the guidance of the Group Leader.  

Main duties:

The job will involve primarily experimental research and will require experiments to be planned and executed carefully under the guidance of the Supervisor and others.
To organise work on a weekly basis and manage their experimental work within the project along with their Supervisor.
To discuss progress and plans on a regular basis with the supervisor and members of the group.
To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.
To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

Specific duties may include:

•    Culturing and maintaining stem cells and organoids.
•    Performing experiments, data collection and analysis.
•    Tissue analysis through histological sectioning and staining.
•    Reading literature/databases.
•    Assisting in the documentation of ongoing research.
•    Contributing to group and Division by maintaining stocks of materials, looking after equipment, archiving samples and keeping the Laboratory tidy.

Working relationships:

The postholder will report to Dr Lancaster and will interact and collaborate with other postdoctoral scientists, research support staff and students in the Group and across the LMB, and with external Groups as necessary.

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.  

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential:

Degree or the equivalent in a relevant biological subject.

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

•    Standard cell biology methods including cell culture.
•    Experience in data collection and interpretation.

Desirable:

•    Experience in working with stem cells or generation of organoids.
•    Experience with histology and cryosectioning.


Knowledge and experience:

Creativity and initiative:

Essential:

Strong motivation and drive.

Desirable:

Has developed new techniques/methodologies which have added value to scientific work.

Verbal and written communication skills:

Essential:

Literate and clear communication.

Desirable:

Team player, shares ideas and expertise with others.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential:

Strong desire for self and team development.

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities 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.