View Vacancy -- Research Support Officer - Structural Studies - Dr Venki Ramakrishnan - LMB 1905

Open Date
26/07/2022, 14:30
Close Date
23/08/2022, 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 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.

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
£25,798 to £27,501 per annum
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time
Fixed term 2 years

Overall purpose: 

To work within the Group of Dr Venki Ramakrishnan at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a project aimed at the understanding at a molecular level the process of protein translation in different contexts.


Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    To assist in research aimed at understanding of translation and translocation.

•    Growth of different species of bacteria and eukaryotes

•    To clone and purify ribosomes from different organisms and proteins using prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems. 

•    Purification and modification of RNA using in vitro transcription

•    Assembly and functional characterisation of ribosomal complexes

•    Within the remit of the project and under the guidance of your supervisor identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.

•    To plan and manage your experimental work according to the objectives set by your supervisor.

•    To keep meticulous records of your experimental work.

•    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 and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities


Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Ramakrishnan or to his designated group member, which could be a senior research associate or a postdoctoral fellow. You will interact with other members of the group and also with other scientists at the LMB 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: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or a related biological subject.

Desirable: Experience of and proven ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: Basic biochemical skills including standard cloning using recombinant DNA methods, protein overexpression and purification, as well as performing standard assays. Standard techniques such as gel electrophoresis, chromatography and centrifugation.

Desirable: Experience in construct design and cloning, cell culture, experience with purification of RNA, CRISPR methods for gene modification. 

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

·     Independent working

·    The ability to work safely without close supervision.

Desirable:

·    Able to acquire new techniques if necessary, quickly and independently.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    Self-motivated, ability to organise, and manage conflicting demands and identify solutions.
•    Skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.

Desirable:
•    Ability to read and incorporate information from scientific papers related to project.
•    Proactively try new methods.

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.