Medical research council
MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist LMS 2545
Job Description
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. Part of achieving this, is to recruit new talent and support postdoctoral scientists to become world leaders in their area of science.
Overall purpose:
Research in the DNA motors Group led by Prof. Luis Aragon focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate genome architecture and dynamics. Current research interests in the lab include the characterization of the evolutionary conserved Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes; cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6.
Job Summary:
The post holder will develop and apply single-molecule based approaches to study the molecular mechanism of SMC5/6 protein complexes in chromatin structure and DNA repair (see Gutierrez-Escribano et al Science Advances, 2019). The proposed project will involve purification and imaging of these SMC factors with our cutting-edge C-trap (Lumicks). The successful applicant must hold a PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or equivalent. A strong experimental background and experience in complex protein purification and single-molecule Biophysics are essential. Experience working on SMC complexes also essential. Advanced skills in Biochemistry and Structural Biology are desirable.
Main Responsibilities:
- To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims.
- To work both independently and on collaborative projects.
- To attend project and related research group meetings.
- To interact and collaborate with group members.
- Write-up and publish of work in peer-reviewed journals.
- To take an active part in the academic activities of the LMS.
- To attend and contribute to journal clubs and seminar presentations.
- Present findings at national and international meetings.
- To form excellent working relationships with other members of the group, and internal and external collaborators.
- To assist others and co-supervise students when required.
Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in an area of Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or any other related discipline.
- Excellent experimental skills
- Protein purification skills
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Biochemistry
- Data analysis in Matlab or equivalent
- Experience using optical tweezers instruments
- Experience on SMC complexes
Desirable:
- Advanced imaging analysis skills
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Extensive experimental/bench work experience
- Experience in Biochemistry
- Experience with Molecular Biology methods
- Evidence that the candidate can plan and carry out a research project
Desirable:
- Experience handling, purifying and labelling nucleic acids and proteins.
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Excellent knowledge of protein handling and purification
- Knowledge of nucleic acids/protein biology/biochemistry
- Experience with microscopy/imaging methods
- Programming experience, knowledge of Matlab or equivalent
- Strong publication record
- Excellent written communication skills in English
Desirable:
- Familiarity with combining experimental and computational methods
- Excellent experimental skills
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
- Highly motivated
- Cautious thinker
- Ability and desire to work in a collaborative research environment
- Very good interpersonal skills
- Willingness to share knowledge and transfer skills to other members of the group on a daily basis
- Excellent verbal communication skills in English
Desirable:
- Evidence of ability to conduct research independently
- Pro-actively seek innovative solutions to scientific problems
- Willingness to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment
Please upload your CV, names and contacts of two scientific references along with a covering letter describing how you fit the person specifications and your motivation for the post. Please quote reference number LMS 2545.
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.