Postdoctoral Scientist

at  MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

To work within the group of Dr Anne Bertolotti at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at studying kinases controlling the integrated stress response. You will provide fundamental mechanistic insights on these important enzymes and study the mechanism of activation of next generation of activators.
In this project, you will express and purify kinases and study the mechanism of action of chemical activators using biochemical and enzymatic assays as well as cellular assays.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

These should include a PhD in biochemistry/ enzymology or due to complete PhD within 6 months.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:

Essential:
Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project. Experience in biochemistry and protein kinases and signalling.

Desirable:

• An interest in signalling and/or stress response/protein quality control.
• An interest in enzymology
• An interest in small molecule inhibitors or activators.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

You will enjoy interacting with a dynamic interdisciplinary team sharing a passion for science and a commitment to explore the unknown.
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

MAIN DUTIES:

• To undertake research aimed at studying kinases and small molecule activators.
• To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To contribute to laboratory-wide discussions on developments within the field.
• To draft scientific papers, and contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
• To contribute to the LMB’s mission in the public engagement of science, and the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.
• To assist in the training of PhD students and other members of the LMB.
  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 input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan.
  To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Supervisor.
  To work with limited supervision to identify, develop, modify and apply the necessary techniques to achieve the goals of the project.
  To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.
  To ensure the research is carried out in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
  To contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities.
  To enhance your research and generic skills through a tailored development programme.

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 polic