View Vacancy Research Group Leader - Neurobiology - LMB 2531 Open Date 04/12/2024, 08:00 Close Date 19/01/2025, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology Research Institute / Unit Information The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years. There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute. The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation 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 - 2/3 Location Cambridge Salary £65,940 - £74,448 per annum for appointments to Programme Leader Track / £50,608 - £58,919 per annum for appointments to Senior Investigator Scientist Contract Type Permanent Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Job Description Senior Investigator Scientist Overall purpose: To lead one or more independent research projects in the area of molecular connectomics with the support of Dr Greg Jefferis at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). The goal of this will be both to develop internationally competitive research and to demonstrate suitability to transition to a tenure-track appointment (Programme Leader Track). To be a focus of expertise on methods development and/or application in the area of molecular connectomics. Main duties: • 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 present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings. • To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment. • To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication. • To disseminate research findings in the form of publications, presentations, and reports and thus support the QQR mission of the division. • 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 and line manage 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 one or more independent research projects. 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 projects. 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 projects. 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 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 secure appropriate external funding and hence staffing and resources for the project, to include preparing grant applications for external funding and developing protocols. To manage existing collaborations, and establish new collaborations, both within the Division and the LMB and with external establishments. To have a broad, balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues especially those pertaining directly to the area of molecular connectomics. To agree the overall strategic direction of your research. You will be expected to take managerial and budgetary responsibility for your research projects, especially the procurement of external funding. Line management responsibilities will be undertaken; these responsibilities, to include staff development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC's policies and procedures. Training will be given if necessary. Working relationships: You will report to Dr Greg Jefferis 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. Additional information: This is a developmental post designed to allow the appointee to progress to a Programme Leader Track position within 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress. Programme Leader Track Overall purpose: To direct an internationally competitive independent research programme in the area of molecular connectomics within the Neurobiology Division of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) Main duties / Key responsibilities: • To develop and lead a programme of research addressing fundamental aspects of neurobiology in health or diseases. • To recruit and supervise a small team of PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows. • To complete research projects in a timely manner and publish the results in leading scientific journals. • To present the results of the research at national and international conferences. • To contribute to LMB-wide activities relating to organisation of scientific activities and technological infrastructure. • To contribute to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees, editing specialist journals, refereeing funding applications. • To take responsibility for the Recruitment, Management, Training and Development of Group Members. • To generate and manage major collaborations to expand the scope of the programme. • To manage the financial and equipment resources of the group including purchasing and managing the effective use of capital equipment. • To contribute to the MRC's engagement with the public and to communicate the excitement of research to the public and taxpayer. • To ensure that any intellectual property is protected and, where possible, to translate the results of research into useful new approaches or treatments that improve human health. • Research leadership of a group of Research Scientists, comprising of Postdoctoral Fellows, PhD Students and Technical Support Staff. • Interacting with other Researchers, contributing to both the harmonious and successful running of the LMB as well as the joint scientific mission. Working relationships: You will report to the Joint Heads of Division. As an independent Group Leader (Programme Leader Track) you will be expected to interact with Scientists and Support Staff within the Neurobiology Division and the rest of the LMB, and externally with members of the national and international research community. 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. Person Specification Senior Investigator Scientist Academic qualifications and experience: Essential: • PhD or MD in a subject relevant to molecular connectomics. Technical skills and expertise: Significant experience of and proven expertise in cutting edge research relevant to the project, and knowledge of the field. Particularly useful would-be research experience which bridges synaptic resolution connectomes with molecular properties of synapses and neurons. Track record of research: This will include discoveries, significant achievements, and published or preprint papers including as first author. Other relevant evidence of: • Independent working and decision making • Excellent standards of research conduct • Mentoring • Originality • Influencing skills • Communication skills • Leadership • Intellectual Property. Programme Leader Track Education / qualifications / training required: Essential: • A PhD in a relevant subject. • Independent and successful work as a postdoc in a relevant subject. • Significant publication record in relevant fields with an emphasis on quality and originality. Knowledge and experience: Essential: • An ambitious research proposal that tackles an important problem using innovative and imaginative approaches. • Research interests that fit well within the Division. • Experience of planning and developing projects or programmes of work. Desirable: • Evidence of having influenced wider practice or knowledge in the field. • Evidence of independent creativity in tackling research questions. Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: Essential: • Proactive and creative independent thinker. • Demonstrates an ability to communicate science, both in writing and verbally. • Ability to supervise a team in a sensitive and inspiring manner. Desirable: • Experience of supervising team members effectively. Further Information 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. 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.