View Vacancy -- Investigator Scientist - Structural Studies - Dr Kelly Nguyen - LMB 2799 in Cambridge

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.

Overall purpose: To work within the group of Kelly Nguyen at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). To lead one or more projects within an overall programme investigating the molecular mechanism of telomere maintenance. The project will involve developing biochemical methods to prepare human telomeric complexes for structural characterization by cryoEM. To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others. To be a focus of expertise on protein purification and structural biology.

Main Duties:

• 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 contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives including by working in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
• To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
• To prepare the research for publication.
• To present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To train students, Postdoctoral Scientists and others and undertake the 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:

• To undertake cutting‑edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the research group.
• 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 group.
• 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 research group.
• 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 identify new equipment which will assist the group programme and to present argued cases for new purchases.
• To identify opportunities for additional funding and to apply for external grants where appropriate.

Person Specification:

• PhD in a relevant biological subject.
• Significant postdoctoral research experience in cell biology, biochemistry and structural biology.
• Experience of and proven ability to perform techniques relevant to the project, and knowledge of the field.
• Particularly useful would be experience of molecular biology, protein/nucleic acid biochemistry, genome editing of human cells and cryo-electron microscopy.

Further Information:

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.