Research Support Officers

Research Support Officers

Full-Time 47071 - 47071 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support groundbreaking research in neuroscience through experiments and data analysis.
  • Company: Join the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, a leader in scientific innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with a focus on creativity and initiative.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: PhD in biological sciences and experience in neuroscience required.

The predicted salary is between 47071 - 47071 £ per year.

Overall purpose

To work within the group of Dr.

Marco Tripodi at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), providing research support for work on behavioural, anatomical and electrophysiological studies in rodents.

The post-holder will characterise the role of distinct neuronal populations in goal directed behaviours.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities

  • To assist with research by planning, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments.
  • To perform tasks guided by your supervisor including wet laboratory work, purchasing and organising chemicals, ordering of specified equipment, computational tasks and data analysis.
  • To present information on research progress and outcomes as appropriate.
  • To conduct literature and database searches.
  • To contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
  • To ensure and maintain an efficient and tidy Laboratory.

To plan and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor and other members of the project team.

To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.

To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.

Working relationships

You will report to Dr.

Marco Tripodi.

You will interact and collaborate with Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students, not only in your Group, but also other LMB groups, LMB facilities and with external Groups as necessary.

Person Specification

Education / qualifications / training required

Essential: Ph D in a biological subject with a track record of published work in the area of neuroscience

Desirable: Background in in a quantitative subject

Previous work experience required

  • Competent, independent bench working skills including safe use of chemicals, preparation of buffers and other reagents, sterile technique, lab safety, and routine analytic calculations.
  • Experience or theoretical knowledge of basic wet lab biology skills/techniques including cloning and cell culture.
  • Previous experience in the field of neuroscience, particular emphasis on neural circuits analysis.
  • Experience with design and analysis of rodent’s behavioural tests.
  • Experience with in vivo studies in rodents.
  • Experience with stereotaxic injections.
  • Experience in viral design.
  • Experience with RNA in situ imaging.
  • Experience with electrophysiological or optical methods to record neural activity
  • Holding a valid PIL license.
  • Non-LLM-aided programming expertise in Python

Knowledge and experience

  • Creativity and initiative
  • Ability to plan and carry out experiments, collate and analyse data.
  • Understanding of lab health and safety.
  • Practical experience of running and maintaining scientific equipment.
  • Has developed new techniques / methodologies that have added value to scientific work.
  • Experience of molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, genotyping.
  • Independent working
  • Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.
  • Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods.
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in presenting scientific work.
  • IT skills, including Word and Excel.
  • Has made contributions to scientific papers.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities

  • Reliability and enthusiasm.
  • Strong organisational skills. Methodical and thorough.
  • Passion for science and a desire to continue to develop skills and knowledge.
  • Proactive in seeking solutions to problems and keen to take responsibility.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Corporate Responsibilities
  • 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.

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Research Support Officers employer: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Maintenance Engineer, you will benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for paid overtime, and a commitment to employee development within a prestigious research institution located in the vibrant Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking scientific advancements while enjoying a culture that values collaboration and professional growth.

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Contact Details:

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Support Officers

Get Involved in Research Communities

Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!

Show Off Your Research Projects

Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.

Utilise Professional Networks

Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.

Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly

Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Support Officers

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Compassion
Organizational Skills
Flexibility
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.

Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.

Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Showcase Your Research Skills

In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.

Know Your Publications

If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.

Exhibit Your Team Spirit

In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology to drive research projects forward.