Investigator Scientist | PNAC | Dr Leo James | LMB 2748

£44,801 to £47,071 per annum

This is fixed-term position until 17 June 2035 due to time limited funding from an external grant. 

Overall purpose:

To work within the group of Leo James at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).

The position involves working within a research team investigating pathogenicity in infection and neurodegenerative and new therapeutic strategies for their treatment. Specifically the role is a senior staff scientist with responsibility for overseeing all research projects involving in vivo work using mouse models. The position is based at LMB and does not involve running live animal experiments, which take place in a separate facility. Rather the post-holder is responsible for designing and planning experiments and performing post-experiment analysis using a wide-variety of techniques including flow cytometry, ELISpot, cell assays, qPCR and infection models. The role involves pursuing individual research projects and supporting other projects in the group. Consequently, good communications skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team are required.

Main duties:

• 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 keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.

• 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.

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:

You will report to Dr James and will liaise with other Research Support staff, Postdoctoral Scientists and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external collaborators.

The postholder may also support collaborations with other academic groups and industrial partners.

Academic qualifications and experience:

PhD in a relevant biological subject.

Significant postdoctoral research experience in mammalian cell biology. Ideally the candidate will have prior experience working with mice or alongside in vivo experiments handling diverse tissues. Experience in pathogenic models is also useful, particularly in the fields of infection and neurodegeneration.

Technical skills and expertise:

Experience of and proven ability to perform techniques relevant to the project, and knowledge of the field. This should include techniques such as tissue culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, ELISpot, ELISA and qPCR. Particularly useful would be experience with infection and/or neurodegeneration models both in vitro and in vivo.

Track record of research:

This will include achievements, and significant contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of:

• Commitment.
• Originality.
• Ability to communicate.
• Working with others.

Additional information:

Informal enquires are encouraged as this is a unique role where skill set and aptitude are of principle importance and more details can be provided upon request.

This is a rolling advertisement which can close or be extended, at any time, based on the number of applications received. Therefore, if you are interested, we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. Interviews will be held as and when applications are reviewed.

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.
 

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.

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.

Our state-of-the-art laboratory 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.

The LMB is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions. The LMB is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the LMB name brings. The LMB 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 LMB (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 LMB and UKRI on your CV in the future.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; [email protected].

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.