Research Support Officer

Full time. Overall purpose: To work within the group of Dr Manu Hegde at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding protein biosynthesis and quality control. For cells to function properly, newly synthesised proteins must be accurately delivered to their correct cellular destinations and, in many cases, assembled with other proteins into larger complexes. Our group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, together with the pathways that detect and resolve errors in protein maturation. In particular, we are interested in how cells recognise and clear aberrant proteins, including unassembled subunits of multi-protein complexes. Defects in these and related quality control pathways are associated with numerous human diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer, highlighting their essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Main duties/key responsibilities:

• To undertake research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein quality control.
• To perform a range of support duties that may include:
• Maintaining cell lines in culture
• Assisting with CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screens in mammalian cells
• Generating tools and reagents to support the project
• To present information on research progress and outcomes within the group and the LMB.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, as well as taking responsibility for communal reagents and facilities.
• To contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To plan and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor and other members of the project team.
• To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

Working relationships: You will report to Manu Hegde and Eszter Zavodszky and will interact and collaborate with Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.

Person requirements

Academic qualifications:

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, such as biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or genetics.
• Desirable: Masters degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Previous work experience required:

• Essential: Basic understanding of molecular and cell biology. Experience of basic tissue culture skills/techniques (e.g. splitting cells, sterile culture technique).
• Desirable: Previous experience in genetic screening. Experimental techniques relevant to the role, which could include (but not limited to): Flow cytometry, Western blotting, Next generation sequencing. Previous experience with bioinformatics and data analysis.

Knowledge and experience:

• Essential: Ability to plan and carry out experiments, collate and analyse data. Understanding of lab health and safety.
• Desirable: Experience of general lab management, including purchasing consumables and preparing communal reagents according to established protocols. Ability to troubleshoot challenges and suggest new approaches.

Independent working:

• Essential: Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.
• Desirable: Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

• Essential: Able to work collaboratively and harmoniously as part of a team. Well organised and reliable, with exceptional record-keeping. Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements: You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the MRC Code of Conduct, MRC Equality and Diversity policy, UKRI Health and Safety policy, UKRI 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.