At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research and develop your skills in a world-class biomedical environment.
- Company: Join the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, a leader in biomedical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 41 days of annual leave, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Kickstart your academic career with protected research time and mentorship from experts.
- Qualifications: PhD holder or near completion, with experience in scientific research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Chain Florey Early Consolidator Fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity for resident doctors to undertake a 12-month programme of 100% protected research time, supported within the world-leading biomedical research environment of the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS). This fellowship is designed for doctors in specialty training who have completed a PhD (or expect to have submitted their PhD thesis within 3 months of the Fellowship start date) and are seeking to consolidate their postdoctoral research experience. It offers protected time to develop independence as a researcher, bridging the transition from PhD completion to establishing an externally funded academic career.
What you would be doing
- You will conduct laboratory research at the LMS to gather data, consolidate research skills and develop a competitive early-career fellowship application for external funders.
- You will benefit from the Chain Florey programme which provides mentorship, training and careers support.
- A 1–2-page project outline should be submitted with the application, accompanied by a full CV and publication list.
- The proposed project should be in the remit of at least one LMS research group and you are advised to informally contact potential supervisors before applying.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview, where they will present a 10-minute outline of their research, scientific background and future funding plans.
What we are looking for
- Hold a PhD or expect to have submitted their PhD thesis within 3 months of the Fellowship start date.
- Completion of Foundation Years 1 and 2, and be in specialty training.
- Experience conducting scientific research with relevant experimental skills.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to advance science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 12 months (part-time options will be considered). Further details about the research conducted at the LMS can be found here. A Job application form, CV and 1–2-page proposal will be required. Applications must be received online. Please complete and upload relevant application papers as directed.
Equal Opportunities
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.
Chain Florey Early Consolidator Postdoctoral Fellowship employer: SONICOM
The Chain Florey Early Consolidator Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to thrive in a prestigious biomedical research environment at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. With 100% protected research time, a sector-leading salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this fellowship fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance their academic careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chain Florey Early Consolidator Postdoctoral Fellowship
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like SONICOM. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like SONICOM!
We think you need these skills to ace Chain Florey Early Consolidator Postdoctoral Fellowship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show SONICOM that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at SONICOM.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that SONICOM does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at SONICOM. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into SONICOM's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at SONICOM. This shows your passion for the industry!
