Investigator Scientist | PNAC | Dr Leo James | LMB 2748 in Cambridge

This is a fixed-term position until 17 June 2035 due to time limited funding from an external grant.

Overall purpose:

To work within the group of Leo James at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). The position involves working within a research team investigating pathogenicity in infection and neurodegenerative diseases and new therapeutic strategies for their treatment. Specifically, the role is a senior staff scientist with responsibility for overseeing all research projects involving in vivo work using mouse models. The position is based at LMB and does not involve running live animal experiments, which take place in a separate facility. Rather, the post-holder is responsible for designing and planning experiments and performing post-experiment analysis using a wide variety of techniques including flow cytometry, ELISpot, cell assays, qPCR and infection models. The role involves pursuing individual research projects and supporting other projects in the group. Consequently, good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team are required.

Main duties:

• Under the general leadership of the Group Leader, to be responsible for all aspects of the research projects, including defining the direction of the work, conducting the research, analysing the data, preparing the work for publication and disseminating the results at meetings.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives including by working in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
• To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
• To prepare the research for publication.
• To present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To train students, Postdoctoral Scientists and others and undertake the line management of group members where appropriate.
• To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.

Key responsibilities:

The key responsibility is to undertake cutting-edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the research group. You will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to deliver the research and to play a major role in shaping the overall aims and success of the group. While some advice will be available from others in the laboratory, you will be expected to have the skill and understanding to be able to act independently in solving problems, many of which may require novel approaches. This will require the integration of different activities to ensure the successful delivery of the research projects.

• To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches.
• To interact effectively with a wide range of staff, students and others to ensure the smooth running of the research group. This will include setting an example in the effective use of resources, training others in methods and use of equipment and taking responsibility for the use of communal facilities.
• To potentially take on specific responsibilities for managing equipment.
• To write scientific papers and to present at internal meetings and at conferences.
• To ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
• To recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and to cooperate in patent protection and in exploitation.
• To identify new equipment which will assist the group programme and to present argued cases for new purchases.
• To identify opportunities for additional funding and to apply for external grants where appropriate.
• Where line management responsibilities are undertaken, these responsibilities, including staff development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided if required.

Working relationships:

You will report to Dr James and will liaise with other Research Support staff, Postdoctoral Scientists and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external collaborators. The postholder may also support collaborations with other academic groups and industrial partners.

Person Specification:

Academic qualifications and experience:

• PhD in a relevant biological subject.
• Significant postdoctoral research experience in mammalian cell biology. Ideally, the candidate will have prior experience working with mice or alongside in vivo experiments handling diverse tissues. Experience in pathogenic models is also useful, particularly in the fields of infection and neurodegeneration.

Technical skills and expertise:

• Experience of and proven ability to perform techniques relevant to the project, and knowledge of the field. This should include techniques such as tissue culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, ELISpot, ELISA and qPCR. Particularly useful would be experience with infection and/or neurodegeneration models both in vitro and in vivo.

Track record of research:

This will include achievements, and significant contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of:

• Commitment.
• Originality.
• Ability to communicate.
• Working with others.

Additional information:

Informal enquiries are encouraged as this is a unique role where skill set and aptitude are of principal importance and more details can be provided upon request. This is a rolling advertisement which can close or be extended, at any time, based on the number of applications received. Therefore, if you are interested, we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. Interviews will be held as and when applications are reviewed.

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.