Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Mick Hastings - LMB 1600

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Cambridge, ENGLAND
Deadline: 25 Jul 2021

View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Mick Hastings - LMB 1600
Open Date
25/06/2021, 16:40
Close Date
25/07/2021, 23:55

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

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

MRC – PostDoc

Cambridge

£32,302 to £35,143 per annum

Fixed Term

Science

Full Time

3 years

Overall purpose: 

To work within the group of Dr Michael Hastings at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at identifying the molecular and neural basis of tidal (and other non-circadian) biological clocks.  Specifically, to undertake research to investigate the basis of circatidal behaviour and metabolism in the marine isopod Eurydice pulchra.  

Circadian (24 hour) body clocks are conserved amongst terrestrial organisms, and their molecular architecture is well known.  A greater diversity and abundance of life, however, inhabits environments varying over tidal/lunar time.  Absolutely nothing is known of the molecular neurobiology of tidal clocks: this rich neurobiological problem is virgin territory.  The project will utilise next generation RNA-sequencing, genomic analyses, homology cloning, behavioural analyses, protein expression and neurobiological examination and manipulation of the Eurydice nervous system to characterise the molecular genetics and neural circuits behind this elusive clock.  The Applicant will be well supported by the extensive resources and expertise of LMB, with close collaboration with the group in the Cell Biology Division led by Dr. John O’Neill.  It will also benefit from external collaborations with expertise in marine biology and Drosophila neurogenetics.  

Candidates should be expert in transcriptome bioinformatics and molecular genetics, including RNA extraction, PCR, DNA cloning, genomic sequence analysis and molecular neuroanatomy etc.  Expertise in protein biochemistry, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation alongside a general interest in neurobiology are highly desirable.  We shall identify tidally regulated genes, define their regulatory genomic elements and then determine the functions of their encoded proteins in cell culture and in vivo.  Is the tidal clock a shorter cycle equivalent of the well-known circadian feedback loop, or is it something more exotic?  How does its architecture compare with other non-circadian oscillators?

Main duties:

•    To undertake research aimed at identifying the molecular-genetic, cellular and neural bases of circatidal clocks.
•    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.

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 3-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. 

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Michael Hastings 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.

Additional information:

This is a 3-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.

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.

Technical skills and expertise:

Essential
Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.  Particularly useful would be experience of:

Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic sequencing data.

Bioinformatic analysis of genomic sequence data.

General molecular biological techniques (RNA, DNA extraction, sub-cloning, protein expression and analysis etc.).

Expertise in neuroanatomical procedures, including immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy and/ or in situ hybridisation.

Desirable
Familiarity with invertebrate neurobiology.

Experience of genetic manipulation of invertebrates (e.g., by microinjection, RNA interference/ knock-down).

Transcriptional reporter assays and cell culture.

De novo genome assembly.

Track record of research:

This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of: 

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



The project will rely on effective collaborative working within the LMB and with external groups, including UK-based field work to collect specimens.
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.


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