View Vacancy MRC Senior Investigator Scientist LMS 2505 Open Date 18/10/2024, 10:40 Close Date 07/11/2024, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences Research Institute / Unit Information The LMS is a world-class research laboratory where scientists and clinicians collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Funded by the MRC as part of UK Research and Innovation, the LMS has a collaborative working culture and new state-of-the-art building based in the heart of West London in the Hammersmith Hospital Campus (W12). The LMS aims to deliver transdisciplinary team science, in synergistic interaction with Imperial College and the wider national research environment. UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org Band MRC - 3 Location London Salary £48,802 - £52, 172 plus London Allowances (£3,913 & £1,472) per annum Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 3 years Job Description Overall purpose: To undertake a programme of research that links steroid biochemistry to metabolic dysfunction using in vitro and ex vivo approaches and employing a wide range of methods relating to molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and analytical chemistry. 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 Establish, maintain and troubleshoot experimental techniques for studying steroid metabolism in the context of human physiology and disease To present your work at seminars within the LMS and at external meetings and conferences To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary To train students, Postdoctoral Scientist and others and line management of group members where appropriate Participate and, where required, project-manage collaborations to expand the scope of the lab's research Write-up and publish research results, assist in preparing collaborative work for publication Contribute to writing bids for research grants Balance independent work with team science, both within the lab, other teams in the institute and beyond Take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS, including seminar presentations 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. 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 take on responsibility for managing equipment. 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 secure appropriate external funding and hence staffing and resources for the project, to include preparing grant applications for external funding and developing protocols. Working relationships: You will report to Professor Wiebke Arlt and will liaise with other Research Support staff, Postdoctoral Scientists, clinical research fellows and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMS and with external collaborators. Person Specification Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application): Essential: PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline Extensive postdoctoral research experience in steroid biochemistry Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application and at the interview ): Essential: A strong track record for career stage in a research area complementary to the Institutes existing strengths This track record should be demonstrated by excellent scientific first author publications Expertise in steroid analysis by tandem mass spectrometry Desirable: Experience of working in a translational research environment Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application and at the interview): Essential: In depth knowledge of the chosen field of research and an understanding of its relevance to the LMS Track record of scientific originality and creativity, demonstrated through publications Excellent technical skills relevant to the research programme Excellent written communication skills in English Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at interview) : Essential: Excellent verbal communication skills in English Ability to organise and prioritise workload, to delegate responsibility as appropriate and to supervise staff Ability to provide leadership, to work within a team and manage, motivate, inspire and support staff A high level of motivation to learn new concepts and acquire new skills and to seek novel and creative solutions to scientific problems Further Information Applicants should submit a CV, names and contacts of two scientific references along with a covering letter stating why you are applying for this role (providing evidence against the requirements of the job as per the job description and person specification). Applications without a supporting covering letter will not be considered. Please quote reference number LMS 2505. The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council. In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs. We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. 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.