PostDoc positions

Postdoctoral Scientist - Cell Biology: UK

Job specification

Overall purpose: 

To work within the Group of Dr Ramanujan Hegde at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein maturation, quality control, and protein aggregation diseases. Specifically to undertake research to investigate the mechanistic basis of membrane protein insertion and assembly.

Main duties:

  • To undertake research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of membrane protein insertion and assembly
  • To identify, develop and apply a range of cellular, biochemical, biophysical, and structural 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 draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication
  • 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:

  • Within the overall direction of the programme, the Group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a 2-year lifespan
  • To plan your own work and objectives on a 12 month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor
  • 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 Dr Hegde 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 2-year training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. We support Postdoctoral Scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:

•    MRC training courses.
•    External training and personal development courses.
•    One-to-one training with your Supervisor 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.

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 and the MRC.

 

Person specification

Academic qualifications: 

These should include a PhD in a relevant subject. For the envisioned project, relevant subjects for a PhD should include biochemistry and structural biology.

Technical skills and expertise:
Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.  Essential skills for this project would be a high level of proficiency in protein expression and purification, reconstitution of multi-protein complexes, ability to work with membranes and membrane proteins, ability to fully characterise the quality of protein preparations, and ability to apply structural approaches to protein analysis.

Particularly useful would be experience in the areas of crystallography and training in single particle electron cryo-microscopy.

Track record of research:
This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

Other relevant evidence of: 
•    Commitment.
•    Originality.
•    Ability to communicate.
•    Working with others.

Additional information: 
Experience and knowledge of biological processes occurring at membranes would be highly desirable. Experience in the preparation of multi-protein complexes and experience in the use of multiple expression systems for recombinant protein production are also highly desirable.

Further Details
Share this opportunity