Postdoctoral Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Chris Russo - LMB 1628

View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Chris Russo - LMB 1628
Open Date
29/07/2021, 15:45
Close Date
30/08/2021, 23:55
Research Institute  
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Research Institute / Unit Information  

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  
MRC - 4
Location  
Cambridge
Salary  
£32,302 - £35,143 per annum
Contract Type  
Fixed Term
Job Type  
Science
Full Time / Part Time  
Full Time
Contract Length  
3 years
Job Description  

Overall purpose:  

To work within the Group of Dr Christopher Russo at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at advancing biological electron microscopy. Specifically, to undertake research to investigate new ultra-stable specimen supports for cryoEM and methods for their manufacture.

The researcher will undertake a programme of research to develop new specimen supports for electron microscopy of biological materials and specimens.

Main duties:

• To undertake research aimed at the development of specimen supports for biological electron microscopy.
• To perform all steps of support manufacture, including the development of new materials like functionalized graphene and structures for the support of cryogenic biological specimen.
• To perform analysis and testing of new support materials and devices, including the use of optical, electron and scanning probe microscopy.
• To perform analytical spectroscopy to asses and determine the properties of new specimen supports and devices.
• To ensure the research is conducted safely and in good practice which is in compliance with local policies.
• 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 three-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 Christopher Russo 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. 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.

Person Specification  

Academic qualifications:  

Essential: These should include a PhD in experimental physics, chemistry, biochemistry, materials science or engineering or due to complete PhD within 6 months.

Desirable: Specific training on using a range of high-resolution optical, charged particle and scanning probe microscopes and techniques for the characterization of materials.

Previous work experience required:  

Essential:

Experience in advanced transmission electron microscopy of materials, including electron microscopy/diffraction, spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

A track record of pubished work in peer reviewed journals using electron microscopy and other related microscopy and analysis techniques.

Desirable: Experience with the use of cryoEM or crystallographic methods for structure determination.

Knowledge and Experience:

Specific Research Skills 

Essential:

Ability to operate transmission and scanning electron microscopes for the characterization of specimens.

Skills in the preparation of specimens for electron microscopy.

Ability to develop new processes and chemical techniques for the production of novel materials or devices.

Ability to create and modify materials with the use of physical and chemical deposition and etching methods.

Desirable:

Programming skill python, C or other related programming languages, typesetting in LaTeX and advanced experience in the use of linux computing systems.

Ability to modify existing or create new instruments to expand research capabilities.

Creativity and Initiative

Essential: Demonstrated ability to develop new processes and techniques for the creation of new materials or devices designed to solve a particular scientific or engineering problem.

Desirable: Has developed new devices or materials which have added value to scientific work and been commercialized. 

Independent working

Essential: Proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems.

Desirable: Ability to initiate and develop new directions for research.

Verbal and written communication skills

Essential:

Experience in presenting scientific work, both written and orally.

Has a proven track record of achievements and contributions to published papers.  

Desirable: Attendance of international conferences on microscopy, crystallography or cryoEM.

Mentoring

Desirable: Has experience of training others "on the job,” including supervision of other students in research programs. 

Collaborations/ Influencing Skills

Essential: Has strong skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.

Desirable: Skill at teaching and mentoring other colleagues and students in learning new experimental techniques and methods.

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities: 

Essential:

Motivated individual with a strong desire for self and team development.

High standards of research conduct.

Desirable: Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

Other relevant evidence of: 

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

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.