Tenure Track Group Leader | Cell Biology | LMB 3023

£67,979 to £76,868 per annum

Overall purpose:

To direct an internationally competitive research programme within the Cell Biology Division relevant to the Laboratory of Molecular Biology’s (LMB) research portfolio, drawing on the collaborative inputs and team-working of other colleagues both within and outside MRC.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

•    To develop and lead a programme of research addressing fundamental processes in cell or tissue biology and/or developing methods relevant to such research.
•    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 contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and to other public communications initiatives.
•    To ensure that any intellectual property is protected and, where possible, translating the results of research into useful new approaches or treatments that improve human health.

Working relationships: 

You will report to the Heads of Division. As an independent Group Leader (Programme Leader Track) you will be expected to interact with Scientists and Support Staff within the Cell Biology Division and the rest of the LMB, and externally with members of the national and international research community.

Person requirements

Academic qualifications and experience:

•    PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject.
•    Experience in studying fundamental processes in molecular, cell, or tissue biology, or developing methods relevant to the study of cells and tissues.
•    Independent and successful research in a relevant subject.

Technical skills and expertise:

Essential: 
•    Research interests that fit well with the present and future science of the Division.
•    Experience of planning and developing projects or programmes of work.

Desirable: 
•    Evidence of having influenced wider practice or knowledge in the field. 
•    A very ambitious or innovative research proposal.  

Track record of research:

This will include discoveries and significant achievements, and published papers preferably as primary author.

Other relevant evidence of:

•    Independent working and decision making
•    Excellent standards of research conduct
•    Mentoring and team supervision
•    Originality
•    Influencing skills
•    Communication skills
•    Collaboration
•    Leadership
•    Intellectual Property

Additional information:

Applications should include a CV with a full publication list and a 3-page research proposal describing long-term goals.

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.

UKRI - UK Research and Innovation

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.

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 X-ray crystallography of proteins, 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.

Our state-of-the-art laboratory provides an unsurpassed environment for both young 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.

The LMB is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions. The LMB is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the LMB name brings. The LMB is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the LMB (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the LMB and UKRI on your CV in the future.

We actively support equality, diversity and inclusion in all our activities, processes and culture. We encourage applications from all sections of society irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role. You are very welcome to contact us for information about the application process and any adjustments you may require; recruit@mrclmb.ac.uk.

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.