Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Joergen Kornfeld - Lmb 2511

View Vacancy -- Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Joergen Kornfeld - LMB 2511 Open Date 04/11/2024, 08:00 Close Date 02/12/2024, 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 - 4 Location Cambridge Salary £39,375 per annum Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 3 years Job Description Overall purpose: To work within the group of Dr. Joergen Kornfeld at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding how learned behaviours, such as song production in zebra finches, are encoded in the brain's synaptic networks.
Specifically, to undertake research to investigate how the synaptic connections (connectome) within the zebra finch brain support the storage and retrieval of song memories.
The ultimate goal is to link these synaptic networks to specific behavioural outputs, providing mechanistic insights into how learned behaviours are maintained and accessed.
Main Duties: • To undertake research aimed at mapping and analysing the synaptic connections that underpin learned behaviours in zebra finches.
• To identify, develop, and apply a broad range of experimental techniques, including high-resolution 3D electron microscopy and advanced data analysis methods, to pursue the research objectives.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external conferences and meetings.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field of connectomics and memory storage.
• To draft scientific papers and contribute to the overall preparation of research findings for publication.
• To contribute to the LMB's mission in public engagement, and the translation of research findings into advancements in neuroscience and healthcare.
• To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB, ensuring knowledge transfer and collaboration within the group.
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 contribution to determining the project's direction within its three-year timeframe.
• To plan your own research objectives on an annual basis and manage your experimental work effectively, coordinating closely with your Supervisor.
• To work with limited supervision, identifying, developing, modifying, and applying the necessary techniques to achieve the research goals.
• To introduce and apply new experimental techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to show creativity and initiative in developing novel approaches where required.
• To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good scientific practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
• To contribute to the smooth operation of the group by effectively managing resources, training others, and taking responsibility for the use and maintenance of communal facilities.
• To enhance your research and professional skills through a tailored development programme designed to advance your career.
Working Relationships: You will report directly to Dr. Joergen Kornfeld and will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff, and students both within your group and across the LMB.
Additionally, you will engage with external collaborators as necessary to advance the research goals.
Additional information: This is a three-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.
Person Specification Academic qualifications: These should include a PhD in a relevant subject or due to complete PhD within 6 months.
Technical skills and expertise: Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.
Particularly useful would be experience of high-resolution 3D electron microscopy, including tissue preparation, imaging, and data acquisition.
Experience with analysing large-scale imaging datasets, particularly in the context of connectomics or EM mapping, would be highly valuable.
Additionally, proficiency in data analysis software and tools used to process and interpret microscopy data is essential.
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.
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.