Career Returners Fellowship

Full time or part time options can be considered.

Overall purpose: The Fellow will undertake research within the overall direction of the group to which they are assigned. The remit of the project will be agreed in discussion with the Group Leader, and you will make significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan. This is a training position to provide a pathway back to science for those who have, for whatever reason, stepped away from science such as for caring responsibilities of children or family members, long term sickness etc. The LMB is committed to playing its part to broaden the diversity of scientists within its community and this Fellowship will provide opportunities for talented scientists to return to the lab and to continue on their scientific career trajectory.

Main duties:

• 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 contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication and draft scientific papers.
• 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:

• To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Group Leader.
• 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 the assigned Group Leader 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 three-year training and development position for scientists who have had a minimum of 12 months away from research. We support Fellows with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

• Training budget.
• UKRI training courses.
• External training and personal development courses.
• One-to-one training with your Group Leader 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.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements: 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. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Person requirements:

Academic qualifications: These should include a PhD in a relevant subject area (or equivalent).

Technical skills and expertise: You will have experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the group you are hoping to join. It is advised that you speak to the Group Leader for information about specific skill areas required.

Your application will be assessed using the following criteria:

• PhD in a relevant subject area or equivalent (assessed in your application)
• Track record of research - this will include achievements and contributions to published papers (assessed in your application and interview)
• Clear evidence of your capacity to learn new skills, and pick up new techniques quickly (assessed in your application and interview)
• Demonstrable scientific curiosity and motivation (assessed at interview)
• Demonstrable ambition for using this Fellowship as a springboard for your scientific career (assessed in your application and interview)
• Examples of being a team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment (assessed at interview)
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas and results to collaborators and present orally to different groups (assessed in your application and interview)
• Ability to effectively prioritise and work independently (assessed in your application and interview)
• Detail orientated with strong problem-solving skills (assessed at interview)

Track record of research: As above Other relevant evidence of your:

• Commitment
• Originality

We will consider applicants who seek to work part time and/or flexible working patterns.