View Vacancy -- Research Group Leader in Chemical/Synthetic Biology - PNAC - LMB 2658

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 direct an internationally competitive research programme in the field of Chemical/Synthetic Biology within the Division of Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry. The programme will be relevant to the Laboratory of Molecular Biology’s (LMB) research portfolio, drawing on the collaborative inputs and team-working of other colleagues both within and outside MRC.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    To develop and lead a programme of research in Chemical/Synthetic Biology within the portfolio of the Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division.
•    To recruit and supervise a small team of PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows.
•    To complete research projects in a timely manner and publish the results in leading scientific journals.
•    To present the results of the research at national and international conferences.
•    To contribute to LMB-wide activities relating to organisation of scientific activities and technological infrastructure.
•    To contribute to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees, editing specialist journals, refereeing funding applications.
•    To manage the financial and equipment resources of the group including purchasing and managing the effective use of capital equipment.
•    To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and to communicate the excitement of research to the public and taxpayer.
•    To ensure that any intellectual property is protected and, where possible, to translate the results of research into useful new approaches or treatments that improve human health.

Working relationships:

You will report to the Head of Division. As an independent Group Leader (Programme Leader Track) you will be expected to interact with Scientists and Support Staff within PNAC and the rest of the LMB, and externally with members of the national and international research community.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

•    A PhD in a relevant subject
•    Significant publication record in relevant fields with an emphasis on quality and a distinctive contribution to the field of study.

Previous work experience required: 

Essential:
•    Substantial postdoctoral experience in the field of synthetic biology
•    Wide knowledge of the techniques and methodology required to carry out the proposed research.

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential:
•    An ambitious research proposal that tackles an important problem using innovative and imaginative approaches.
•    Research interests that fit well with the science of the Division.
•    Experience of planning and developing projects or programmes of work.

Desirable:
•    Evidence of having influenced wider practice or knowledge in the field.
•    Evidence of independent creativity in tackling research questions.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential:
•    Proactive and creative independent thinker.
•    Demonstrates an ability to communicate science, both in writing and verbally.
•    Experience of participating effectively in collaborations within home institute or externally.
•    Ability to supervise a team in a sensitive and inspiring manner. 

Desirable: Experience of supervising team members effectively.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements

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.

Submissions should comprise a covering letter and full CV, an outline of current research interests (1 page) and a proposal for a future research programme, which addresses an important problem in an innovative and creative way (up to 2 pages), along with the names and addresses of three referees who have agreed to be contacted prior to interview.