Overall purpose:
To work within the group of Chris Tate at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding signalling in pathogenic fungi. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate understanding the molecular basis of signalling in Aspergillus fumigatus.
The successful candidate will be appointed to one of our postdoctoral training schemes, or at an Investigator Scientist level, depending on skills and experience.
- Postdoctoral Scientist Training Scheme appointment - 3 Years - £42,694 per annum
- Investigator Scientist appointment - 5 Years - £44,801 to £47,071 per annum
Postdoctoral Training Scheme main duties:
- To undertake research aimed at understanding signalling in pathogenic fungi.
- To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
- To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
- To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
- To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
- To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
- To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.
Postdoctoral Training Scheme key responsibilities:
Within the overall direction of the programme, the group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three year lifespan.
To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.
To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.
To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.
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, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.
Postdoctoral Training Scheme additional information:
This is a three-year training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. We support Postdoctoral Scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:
• MRC training courses.
• External training and personal development courses.
• One-to-one training with your Supervisor and other Scientists.
You will commit to undertaking the following:
• Developing and following a personal development plan.
• Attending training courses.
• Identifying additional training which will support you to develop your career.
Investigator Scientist main duties:
To lead one or more projects within an overall programme on signalling in pathogenic fungi. As part of a consortium, we will determine cryo-EM structures of the signalling complexes of Aspergillus fumigatus under different conditions and with various subunit compositions. The structures will facilitate the molecular understanding of conformational changes in the complex that drive signalling, which will be substantiated by mutagenesis and signalling assays. In addition, the structures will be used to develop small molecule inhibitors through in silico screening of virtual libraries and structures determined of high-affinity hits. These will be used to assess their impact on virulence and pathogenicity in models of fungal infection through work with collaborators.
To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others.
To be a focus of expertise on structure determination of integral membrane proteins by cryo-EM, including their expression, purification, grid preparation, data acquisition and image processing.
- To undertake research aimed at structure determination of the signalling complexes in Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Under the general leadership of the Group Leader, to be responsible for all aspects of the research projects, including defining the direction of the work, conducting the 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 techniques to pursue the research objectives including by working in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
- To prepare the research for publication.
- To present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
- To train students, Postdoctoral Scientists and others and undertake the line management of group members where appropriate.
- To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
Investigator Scientist key responsibilities:
The key responsibility is to undertake cutting-edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the research group. 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 group.
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. This will require the integration of different activities to ensure the successful delivery of the research projects.
To introduce and apply new 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 research group. 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 potentially take on specific responsibilities for managing 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 group programme and to present argued cases for new purchases.
To identify opportunities for additional funding and to apply for external grants where appropriate.
Where line management responsibilities are undertaken, these responsibilities, including staff development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided if required.
Working relationships:
For appointment at either level, you will report to Dr C. G. Tate and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.
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