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:
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the leading scientific institutions in the world and has been at the forefront in the development of techniques and instrumentation for many years. A major part of this success has been the support given by the Electronics and Mechanical Workshops.
The purpose of the role is to design and build electronic instrumentation, unavailable commercially, as part of the team of electronic & software engineers in the Electronics Workshop and to provide support and expertise to the scientific staff.
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
Responsible for the design, production and development of electronic equipment and instrumentation to meet the needs of the science in an innovative and flexible way and conforming to all statutory and local health and safety regulations.
Designing electronics circuitry, developing the embedded or PC control software and converting this to hardware including the design and layout of circuit boards, manufacturing all the required infrastructure, and carrying out any testing and debugging.
Consulting with engineers from the Mechanical Workshop where necessary in developing workable solutions to problems in an efficient and timely manner.
Keeping abreast of technological developments to ensure that advice given on possible solutions to challenges is based on an up to date knowledge of leading-edge technology.
Providing a high level of electronics and software expertise to scientific staff in order to develop novel protocols and methods not available with existing commercial equipment.
Ensuring that work is suitably documented.
Working relationships:
The role reports directly to the Head of the Electronics Workshop. The Workshop, which is part of the Structural Studies Division, is also staffed by two Senior Electronics Engineers and an Electronics Technician.
On a day to day basis, the role deals directly with Scientific Staff and works closely with other departments concerned with technical support including the Engineering Workshop, the IT department and Instrument Services.
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
Previous work experience required:
Desirable:
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and initiative
Independent working
Verbal and written communication skills
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
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.
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview.
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.
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