Research Support - Mass Spectrometry - LMB 1613

Medical Research Council, United Kingdom

Updated: over 2 years ago

Location: Cambridge, ENGLAND

Deadline: 10 Aug 2021

View Vacancy -- Research Support - Mass Spectrometry - LMB 1613
Open Date
09/07/2021, 13:13
Close Date
10/08/2021, 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 - 3/4
Location
Cambridge
Salary
£32,005 - £35,143 (Band 4) or £40,016 - £46,643 (Band 3) per annum - depending on experience.
Contract Type
Permanent
Job Type
Science
Full Time / Part Time
Full Time
Job Description

Band 4 Level

Overall purpose:

To assist in the development of various activities in the day-to-day operations of the Mass Spectrometry Facility at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).

To play a major role in the work of the facility, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others.

Contribute to the strategic development of the facility overall.

To be a focus of expertise on biological MS and proteomics.

Main duties:

Under the general leadership of the Facility Head, assist in the development of research projects, including defining the general direction of the work, conducting the research and analysing the data.
To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
To interact with group leaders and fellow researchers to discuss biological content and design of projects and to assist in the provision of individual support for long term projects.
Assist in the evaluation of new techniques and instrumentation within the field of Protein Mass Spectrometry and their potential implementation within the facility thus helping to maintain a cutting-edge laboratory.
To be responsible for general laboratory support. This will include ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies and arranging the maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Continue professional development in the field of Protein Analysis and in areas of chemistry related to MRC LMB programmes through, e.g. attending scientific meetings, seminars and keeping abreast of the relevant literature.
To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.

Key responsibilities:

To undertake cutting edge independent research on the development of techniques to broaden the scope of MS for analysing complex mixtures of proteins, protein complexes and protein adducts for a wide range of research groups within LMB and external collaborations. Your involvement is at a level that leads to authorships on papers from projects involving other groups on a regular basis. In addition, you will be engaged in research and methods development where you are the major or sole contributor of MS data. Through both activities, you will make a significant contribution to the research effort of the LMB as a whole.

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 facility. 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 take on responsibility for managing equipment.

To plan experiments, with decision making about which structural proteomic approach to adopt, and independently executing experiments for projects.

To perform structural proteomics experiments starting with sample preparation for techniques such as HDX/MS, chemical cross-linking, FPOP and native MS.

To contribute to the development of novel MS technology for structural proteomics and biophysics.

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

To have a broad, balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues especially those pertaining directly to the area of MS.

Band 3 Level

Overall purpose:

To lead, manage and support various activities in the day-to-day operations of the Mass Spectrometry Facility at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) by:

(i) providing high level and independent research support for those using mass spectroscopy (MS) at LMB,

(ii) managing the use and maintenance of the mass spectrometers and associated equipment,

(iii) providing training and support to users of the facility,

(iv) developing specialist use of the instrumentation and advise on updating the facility as necessary.

To play a major role in the work of the facility, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others.

Contribute to the strategic development of the facility overall.

To be a focus of expertise on biological MS and proteomics.

Main duties:

Under the general leadership of the Facility Head, 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 present your work at seminars within the LMB and at external meetings.
To contribute to LMB wide discussions on developments within the Institute, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment.
To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
To disseminate research findings in the form of publications, presentations, and reports and thus support the overall mission of the facility.
To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
To train students, Postdoctoral Scientists and others and 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:

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 facility.