Investigator Scientist

at  MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

To work within the group of Dr Marco Tripodi at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).
To lead one or more projects within an overall programme on research aimed at characterising the contribution of canonical motor circuits to spatial cognition by interfacing imaging/electrophysiological methods with genomics and behavioural paradigms in mice.
To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others.
To be a focus of expertise on either in vivo imaging, electrophysiology or behavioural studies in animal models and a strong interest in applying these methods to investigate the relation between motor and cognitive control in rodents. Candidates with a quantitative/theoretical background (e.g. computational neuroscience or bioinformatics) and an interest in expanding their experimental skills, such as in multiphoton imaging or in vivo electrophysiology, are strongly invited to apply, as training is available in these areas.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

PhD in Neuroscience or a related subject.
Significant experience in in vivo imaging, electrophysiology, genomics or behavioural studies in animal models.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:

Essential:
Experience of and proven ability to perform techniques relevant to the project, and knowledge of the field. Particularly useful would be experience of high density neuropixel recordings.
Desirable:
Good programming skills (e.g. Python)

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.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives including by working in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
• To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
• To prepare the research for publication.
• To present your work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To train students, Postdoctoral Scientists and others and undertake the line management of 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 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.
While some advice will be available from others in the laboratory, 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 potentially take on specific responsibilities 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 identify new equipment which will assist the group programme and to present argued cases for new purchases.
To identify opportunities for additional funding and to apply for external grants where appropriate.
Where line management responsibilities are undertaken, these responsibilities, including staff development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided if required.

CORPORATE/LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS

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