Postdoctoral Researcher – Biology - NATA 2321

View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Researcher – Biology - NATA 2321
Open Date
04/01/2024, 00:00
Close Date
21/01/2024, 23:55
Research Institute 1  
NATA
Research Institute / Unit Information 1  
The Medical Research Council (MRC), as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has invested a total of £30M over 5 years to establish the Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA) that will support state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research to solve critical issues in nucleic acid therapeutics. NATA has state of the art chemistry and biology laboratories and capabilities located on the Harwell Research and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire alongside the MRC Harwell Mary Lyon Centre, National Mouse Genetics Facility. This internationally unique resource is focussed on bringing together key stakeholders in the field to tackle and solve significant problems facing oligonucleotide therapy design, manufacture and delivery to key organs. This investment will support capacity building in terms of equipment, upskilling and domain expertise that will be essential in developing critical mass to catalyse and de-risk the development of next generation nucleic acid therapeutics.
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 - 4
Location 1  
Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
Salary 1  
£39,375 per annum
Contract Type 1  
Permanent
Job Type 1  
Science
Full Time / Part Time 1  
Full Time
Job Description 1  
The Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic postgraduate scientist. The Biology Researcher will be critical in supporting the NATA biology department by developing new techniques and methods related to the assessment of delivery, toxicity and efficacy of nucleic acid therapeutics in multidisciplinary projects. This individual will be involved in the development of new techniques and methods for 1) the quantification and localization of nucleic acid therapeutics after administration in vitro and in vivo, 2) the mechanism of uptake of new nucleic acid therapeutic conjugates, 3) the assessment of clearance and pharmacokinetic parameters associated to nucleic acid therapeutics. They will report to the Head of Biology.

Responsibilities

• Undertake laboratory experiments as required by the project and analyse/report data (presentations, verbal and written report)
• Carry out target design, target screening, validation and toxicology assessment of nucleic acid therapeutics
• Perform efficacy assessment using mRNA/protein quantification methods and functional assessments including immunofluorescence and confocal imaging
• Research and establish new techniques and methods for quantification and localization of nucleic acid therapeutics after administration in vitro and in vivo
• Identify, develop and apply different techniques as required to pursue the research objectives
• Prepare standard protocols for novel methods
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with the host institution’s regulations as appropriate
• Update the co-supervisors in a timely way on any results and prepare research updates regularly
• Keep excellent scientific records
• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use and management of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities
• Enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme
• Present work internally and at national and international meetings
• Maintain a good knowledge of the relevant literature and of the wider field and actively promote this to the group
• Work effectively with collaborators
• Supervise students, visitors and trainees as necessary on specific projects

The postholder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager and co-supervisors.

Person Specification 1  
Essential selection criteria

• Hold a relevant Ph.D/D.Phil in biology, biochemistry pharmacology, toxicology or a related discipline
• Peer-reviewed research publications commensurate with career stage
• Experience of conventional and advanced cell culture approaches with cell lines / primary cells
• Fluorescence/confocal microscopy and image analysis
• Cell-based screening assays such as ELISA, luciferase, qPCR and western blotting
• High level of creativity and independence in developing innovative analysis methods and solving complex problems
• Experience and knowledge of data analysis and interpretation
• Experience of managing biology projects and resources
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to analyse data in the literature and place own work in the context of work in the field
• Passionate about collaborative working and building relationships to reach common goals
• High level organisational skills, with the ability to manage a broad range of jobs simultaneously and under pressure
• Flexible and adaptable, able to manage changing priorities
• Capable of critical thinking
• Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement
• Organised, hard-working with a strong eye for detail and able to work as part of a team
• Demonstrate ability to meet milestones

Desirable selection criteria

• Interdisciplinary skills with an emphasis on chemistry/pharmacology, especially quantification methods and characterization of nucleic acid-protein interactions
• Experience of the analysis of oligonucleotides or nucleic acid therapies: quantification, localization, stability
• Fundamental knowledge in the regulation of gene expression, RNA splicing, and protein translation
• Experience with RNA-seq and/or proteomics approaches and associated data analysis
• Experience of stem cell-derived culture techniques e.g. iPSCs
• Tissue pathology and immunohistochemical / in situ hybridisation methods

 

Further Information 1  
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UK Research and Innovation (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 a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of a world-class medical research organisation.
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.