Bioinformatician - Cell Biology - Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility - LMB 2380

View Vacancy -- Bioinformatician - Cell Biology - Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility - LMB 2380
Open Date
25/03/2024, 10:00
Close Date
29/04/2024, 23:55
Research Institute 1  
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Research Institute / Unit Information 1  

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.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org
Band 1  
MRC - 3/4
Location 1  
Cambridge
Salary 1  
Investigator Scientist: £41,843 - £43,962 per annum or Senior Scientist: £48,802 - £56,817 per annum
Contract Type 1  
Permanent
Job Type 1  
Science
Full Time / Part Time 1  
Full or Part Time options
Job Description 1  

Investigator Scientist

Overall purpose:

To build, lead and manage bioinformatic pipelines in the Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). 

To work as part of a dynamic and collaborative team of facility staff, with research groups in the LMB, and with other bioinformatics experts within LMB. Specifically, to develop and maintain analysis methods and pipelines to analyse data produced by cutting-edge mass spectrometry technologies. These will include the analysis of datasets produced by high throughput labelled and label free proteomics, analysis of protein interactions in the context of hydrogen/deuterium exchange, purified protein complexes or in-cell interactions using crosslinking mass spectrometry. 

To develop and implement new analysis software packages in line with the strategic development of the Facility and of the LMB overall. 

To communicate data analysis results obtained with users of the Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility

To be a focus of expertise on Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics bioinformatics.

Main duties:

•    Analyse and share insights derived from mass spectrometry/proteomics projects with the users of the LMB Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility while also accommodating further analysis requests.
•    Work together with the Facility Head to understand and meet the facility users goals and advise in the appropriate experimental design to ensure high-quality data analysis.
•    Build customised data analysis pipelines for high throughput proteomics and for protein structural analysis by crosslinking and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, based on analysis needs.
•    Communicate results with the facility users using reproducible data analysis and reporting strategies aided by appropriate data visualisations.
•    Lead development of analysis solutions where the current needs are unmet.
•    Manage the analysis of multiple projects simultaneously and provide progress updates, in line with the facility's vision.
•    Keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
•    Contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication through data analysis and production of relevant figures.
•    To train students, postdoctoral scientists and others where appropriate.
•    To lead and implement proteomic/mass spectrometry data analysis training workshops aimed at the diverse LMB community (students, Postdoctoral Scientist and others).
•    To contribute to the MRC's engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
•    To present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.

Key responsibilities:

The key responsibility is to undertake bioinformatic analysis of cutting-edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the different research groups that use the Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility within the LMB. You will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to deliver the analysis and to play a major role in shaping the overall aims.

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 analysis pipelines to ensure the successful delivery of results to the facility users.

To introduce and apply new analysis techniques across a wide range of mass spectrometry areas (special focus on high throughout proteomics and mass spectrometry driven protein structural analysis) and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel analysis tools.

To interact effectively with a wide range of staff, students and others. This will include training others in the appropriate analysis methods.

To write scientific papers and to present at internal meetings and at conferences.

To ensure that 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 have a broad, balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues especially those pertaining directly to the area of mass spectrometry proteomics bioinformatics.

Working relationships:

You will report to the Head of the Mass Spectrometry Facility 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. 

Senior Scientist

All of the above, in addition to:

Overall purpose:

To collaborate with the different groups in the LMB Cell Biology department and widely within the LMB to provide additional support in other types of data analysis requiring bioinformatics.

Main duties:

•    To disseminate research findings in the form of publications, presentations, and reports and thus support the mission of the division as outlined in its quinquennial report (QQR). 

Key responsibilities:

To help in the preparation of grant applications for external funding and developing protocols.

To manage existing collaborations, and establish new collaborations, both within the division and the LMB and with external establishments.

To agree the overall strategic direction of the Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility.

To undertake line management responsibilities at times; these responsibilities would include staff development and performance management, and should be applied in accordance with the MRC's policies and procedures. Training will be given if necessary.

Person Specification 1  

Investigator Scientist

Academic qualifications and experience:

PhD in a relevant biological subject (Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or a related field) and a track record of academic and professional achievement.

Postdoctoral experience in computational biology or bioinformatics in academia or industry with focus on proteomics/mass spectrometry data analysis.

Technical skills and expertise:

Significant experience of and proven expertise in cutting edge research relevant to the project, and knowledge of the field.  

Proficiency in Python and R analysis of data produced with different proteomic software packages (e.g., Proteome Discoverer and others).

Experience in analysing mass spectrometry quantitative proteomic datasets - labelled (TMT and SILAC) and label free datasets.

Experience in developing new analysis packages for proteomic data analysis.

Experience in maintaining a reproducible record of the data analysis performed in each project.

In-depth knowledge of proteomics techniques, workflows, and data formats combined with natural curiosity and ability to ramp up quickly in new areas, leveraging the expertise of others.

Strong self-initiative and determination with a bias for action, enthusiasm for taking on new projects and operating independently in a fast-paced growth environment.

Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and determine priorities.

Excellent organizational, time management and communication skills and the ability to work effectively and independently in an interdisciplinary, team-oriented, collaborative, high-performance environment.

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.

Senior Scientist

All of the above, in addition to:

Academic qualifications and experience:

Experience with data analysis in the context of shared scientific facilities with a broad range of biological subjects.

Experience in student supervision and mentoring.

Proven experience in delivering mass spectrometry/proteomics data analysis workshops.

Proven experience in developing new analysis packages for proteomic/mass spectrometry data analysis.

Track record of research:

This will include discoveries and significant achievements, published papers preferably as first author, and a track record of communicating research at national and international conferences.

Other relevant evidence of:

•    Independent working and decision making
•    Excellent standards of research conduct
•    Mentoring
•    Originality
•    Influencing skills
•    Communication skills
•    Leadership
•    Intellectual Property

Further Information 1  

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 great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC 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 MRC (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 MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
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.