Research Group Leader Tenure Track in Cambridge

Key responsibilities include developing and leading a programme of research that addresses long-term fundamental biological questions through the study of macromolecular structure and/or cellular scale. Areas of interest include discovery biology and/or methods development, using experimental and/or computational approaches.

Responsibilities also involve publishing the work of the group in appropriate internationally visible scientific journals and other relevant media, presenting results at national and international meetings and conferences, recruiting, training, and line managing group members, and managing the financial and equipment resources of the group.

The role requires translating research results into useful new approaches or treatments that improve human health, contributing to the MRC’s engagement with the public, and ensuring that any intellectual property is protected for the benefit of the country and the world.

Planning the scientific direction of the research programme aimed at key questions within the overall scientific remit of the Structural Studies Division is essential, as is being accountable for presenting the programme for peer review in accordance with MRC funding procedures.

The post holder will direct the activities of the research group by supervising some projects personally and overseeing projects delegated to group members. They are expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to lead a programme of cutting-edge research and to shape the overall aims and success of the group.

Disseminating the research output from the group through publication of results, presentations at scientific meetings, and responding to media enquiries is crucial. The role involves determining, obtaining, and managing the resource requirements to sustain the programme, including the staffing structure required for taking forward the programme of research.

Taking responsibility for the recruitment, management, training, and career development of group members, including line management and performance management, in accordance with the MRC’s policies and procedures is required. Generating and managing collaborations both within the Division and LMB and with external establishments is also important.

Recognising and acting on opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and cooperating in patent protection and exploitation is part of the role. Contributing to the MRC’s commitment in the areas of training, enhancing public awareness of scientific issues, interaction with academic and health service providers, and commercial exploitation where appropriate is expected.

Maintaining a broad balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues, especially those pertaining directly to the field of research, is essential. Contributing to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees, editing specialist journals, and refereeing funding applications is also part of the role.

Contributing to public communications initiatives to facilitate greater public engagement with science is necessary. Ensuring the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements is critical.

Working relationships: You will report to the Joint Heads of Division. As an independent Research Group Leader, you will interact with scientists and support staff at all levels within Structural Studies and the LMB, and externally with senior personnel in the national and international research community, including research institutes, funding bodies, and commercial companies.

Additional information: Research Group Leader Tenure Track appointments will be made for those who have demonstrated the potential to develop into tenured Research Group Leaders within six years. Candidates with appropriate levels of experience may be given responsibility for oversight of core scientific activities with the LMB.

Person Specification Education / qualifications / training required:

• Essential: in a relevant subject
• Desirable: Significant track record with clear emphasis on quality rather than quantity, with relevance to the main aims of the post.

Previous work experience required:

• Essential: Independent and internationally successful work on a relevant subject

Knowledge and experience:

• Essential: Has innovative ideas to address long-term fundamental biological questions through the study of macromolecular structure at the molecular and/or cellular scales. Can demonstrate that the proposed research meshes well with the present and future science of the Division. Can demonstrate scientific innovation, enabling apparently intractable problems to be successfully tackled and overcome. Demonstrates, through track record of publications and other outputs, an ability to initiate and solve challenging and important questions in structural, molecular and cell biology.
• Desirable: Successful delivery of projects from the proposal stage through to completion. Evidence of having influenced knowledge or wider practice in the field. Experience of providing the critical thinking required to create and run an independent research programme.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

• Essential: Proactive and creative independent thinker. Ability to lead people within a research group in an inspiring manner, strong skills in working with staff of different levels. Tenacity and resilience.

We are looking for a dynamic individual who values the uniquely collaborative and collegial environment of the LMB and the Division.