View Vacancy -- Investigator Scientist (Biophysics) - PNAC - Dr Stephen McLaughlin - LMB 1876
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 work within the Biophysics Facility at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).
To contribute to a wide range of projects across the Laboratory through advice, training and collaborative research.
To play a major role in the work of the Biophysics Facility, through the conduct of research, dissemination of research results, introduction of new ideas and techniques, and contribute to post-graduate training and public engagement.
To be a focus of expertise on specific biophysical techniques.
Main duties:
• Under the general leadership of the Facility Head, to support biophysical measurements in collaborative research projects, including defining the direction of the work, conducting research, analysing the data, preparing the work for publication and disseminating the results at meetings
• To contribute to Laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the Laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of biophysical techniques to pursue the research objectives including by working in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects
• To keep up to date with developments in the biophysics instrumentation or techniques and contribute to discussions on the future of the Biophysics Facility
• To prepare the research for publication
• To present your work at seminars within the Laboratory and at external meetings
• To train facility users in the correct use of techniques and contribute to post-graduate education by giving lectures in the Biophysical Techniques Course
• To maintain biophysical instruments and ensure an efficient and tidy Facility
• To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care
Key responsibilities:
The key responsibility is to contribute to biophysical research throughout the Laboratory via advice, training or collaboration using the most appropriate techniques. You will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to deliver the research and to play a major role in shaping the overall aims and success of the research.
While some advice will be available from others in the Laboratory, you will be expected to have the skill and understanding to be able to act independently in solving problems, many of which may require novel approaches.
To organise time effectively and balance competing priorities to deliver results in a timely manner.
To introduce and apply new biophysical techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches.
To interact effectively with a wide range of Staff, Students and others to ensure the smooth running of the Facility. This will include setting an example in the effective use of resources, training others in methods and use of equipment and taking responsibility for the use of communal facilities.
To take on specific responsibilities for managing biophysical equipment.
To write scientific papers and to present at internal meetings and at conferences.
To ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
To recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and to cooperate in patent protection and in exploitation.
To identify new equipment which will assist the Facility and to present argued cases for new purchases.
To enhance your skills and experience with the goal of becoming an expert in all of the Facility techniques through a tailored development programme.
Working relationships:
You will report to Dr Stephen McLaughlin and will be trained by Dr Chris Johnson. You will liaise with Group Leaders, Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students across the LMB and with external collaborators 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.
Academic qualifications and experience:
PhD in a relevant biological or biophysical subject.
Significant research experience in the application of biophysical methods to understanding macromolecules and their interactions.
Technical skills and expertise:
Experience of and proven ability to perform biophysical techniques relevant to projects carried out in the Facility. Particularly useful would be experience of at least one of the following techniques:
• analytical ultracentrifugation
• calorimetry (ITC and DSC)
• fluorescent spectroscopy
• differential scanning fluorimetry
• circular dichroism
• stopped-flow spectroscopy
• multi-angle light scattering
• biosensor technology such as SPR, BLI and SwitchSense,
• single-molecule techniques including iSCAT, optical tweezers, FCS or FRET.
Experience of supervision of students or training others in use of a biophysical technique.
Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot methods.
It would be desirable to have a good understanding of the theoretical basis of biophysical techniques.
Track record of research:
This will include achievements, and significant contributions to published papers.
Other relevant evidence of:
• Commitment.
• Originality.
• Ability to communicate.
• Working with others.
Additional information:
Proven skills in working independently within a team, to ensure the research goals of the Facility and users are delivered in a timely manner. Passion for science and a desire to continue to develop skills and knowledge.
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.