Research Support Officer Cambridge, East of England
Job description
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To work within a programme in the laboratory of Dr Ingo Greger at the MRC LMB, Cambridge aimed at studying the molecular basis of synaptic transmission focussing on AMPA glutamate receptors. Specifically, the post holder will use a combination of molecular biology, biochemical and structural biology approaches to investigate the organisation of AMPA receptor complexes and their interaction with modulatory drugs (Herguedas et al., Science 2016 & 2019; Dohrke et al., JBC 2020; Zhang et al., Nature 2021; Zhang et al., Nature Comms. 2023 in press [available as BioRxiv preprint]; reviewed in: Greger et al., Neuron 2017; Greger & Mayer; Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 2019).
The successful candidates will work in collaboration with electrophysiologists and with structural biologists in the lab. We also collaborate with other labs in the LMB, with AstraZeneca, and with chemists developing novel AMPAR therapeutics. There will be ample opportunity to learn a number of techniques and to refine existing ones.
For further details please get in touch: Ingo Greger; [email protected].
Main duties:
- To undertake research aimed at purification and structural characterisation of AMPA receptor complexes.
- To identify, develop and apply a broad range of 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 three-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 Ingo Greger 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:
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.
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
These should include a PhD or MSc in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
Experience with standard molecular biology techniques, such as cloning. Good experience with protein purification techniques. Some experience with structural biology approaches.
Experience of taking on lab-wide tasks that might be time-limited, or longer lasting, including responsibility for shared equipment or undertaking statutory roles.
Desirable:
Experience with mammalian or insect cell culture, and with cryo-EM.
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and initiative
Essential:
Ability to optimise and develop experimental protocols.
Ability to identify, introduce, adapt and apply new techniques where required to advance projects.
Independent working
Essential:
Must be able to carry out experimental work independently.
Working with others
Essential:
Ability to work and communicate effectively with colleagues as part of a team.
Ability to train and supervise team members
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
Contribution and co-authorship of peer-reviewed scientific papers.
Ability to present and discuss your work at meetings within the group, within the institute and with collaborators.
Ability to contribute your expertise to discussions about developments within the group and laboratory, particularly in the use of new methods, techniques and equipment.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Essential:
Ability to work collaboratively within the group and with members of other labs.
Motivation to take initiative to solve problems and complete projects.
Willingness to learn new techniques to advance projects.
Excellent time management to be able to handle multiple duties and responsibilities and work to strict deadlines with regularly changing priorities and workloads.
Excellent focus and organisation to complete projects.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
