View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - Cell Biology - Dr Simon Bullock - LMB 755

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 new laboratory 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:

This is an exciting opportunity for you to break new scientific ground in the regulation of intracellular cargo transport. Using AstraZeneca’s world leading arrayed-CRISPR screening platform you will identify novel factors that orchestrate the transport of cargos by microtubule motors. You will then conduct mechanistic studies at the LMB in order to shed light on how these factors regulate cargo transport.

You will work within the Group of Dr Simon Bullock in the Cell Biology Division of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in association with Dr Douglas Ross-Thriepland and Dr Roger Clark in the High Content Biology team, AstraZeneca (AZ).

Main duties:

•    To modify an established high-throughput mammalian cell assay for cargo transport for a genome-scale loss-of-function CRISPR screen.
•    To perform the screen and take selected candidates into orthogonal secondary screens.
•    To perform mechanistic studies of remaining candidates using cell biological, biochemical and single molecule in vitro motility assays.
•    To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
•    To present scientific work at group meetings and seminars within the LMB and AZ, as well as at external meetings.
•    To facilitate an exchange of expertise between LMB and AZ (and vice versa) in relevant areas (e.g. genome editing, advanced microscopy and image analytics).
•    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.
•    When appropriate, to assist in the training and mentoring of PhD students and other members of the LMB.

Key responsibilities:

Within the overall direction of the programme, the remit of the project and in discussion with the LMB and AZ supervisors, you will have significant input into determining the direction of the project within a 2-year period of funding in the first instance. It is anticipated that the first 9-12 months of the project will be conducted at AZ (Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road), followed by follow up studies in the Bullock lab at LMB (Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue).

To plan your own work and objectives and manage your experimental work within the project with the guidance of your supervisors.
To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.
To identify 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 groups, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
To facilitate sharing of expertise between the two groups and associated groups at LMB and AZ.
To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.

Working relationships:

You will report to Drs Bullock, Ross-Thriepland and Clark and interact and collaborate where relevant with other postdoctoral scientists, research support staff and students, not only in your group, but but also across the LMB and AZ. There will be an evaluation of the project after 12 months by the LMB/AZ collaborative steering committee, at which you will be expected to present your progress.

Additional information:

This is a 2 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. You will get the choice upon appointment of undertaking a Career Development Fellowship or the MRC Post-Doctoral Training Scheme. 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.

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:

These should include a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. cell biology, functional genomics, high content imaging) or due to complete a PhD in a relevant subject within 6 months of the application deadline.

Technical skills and expertise:

Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project, including:
•    Expertise in the application of state-of-the-art fluorescence microscopy platforms to study cellular biology. Experience with confocal and widefield imaging.
•    Proven experience with cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques.
•    Experience in functional genomic (e.g. CRISPR or RNAi) and high content/multivariate image and data analysis would be highly desirable.
•    Proven ability to drive innovative research though internalisation of new techniques and technology.

Track record of research:

This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

Evidence of impactful contributions to scientific research and/or methods development would also be useful.

Other relevant evidence of:

Commitment.
Originality.
Ability to communicate.
Ability to work effectively within a team or collaborative group.

Additional information:

The position would suit an individual who enjoys working in a collaborative environment, manages their time effectively and is motivated by setting and reaching project milestones.