Overall purpose:
To lead an internationally competitive research programme at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) that addresses long-term fundamental biological questions through the study of macromolecular structure at the molecular and/or cellular scales. You will draw on the knowledge and expertise of other colleagues both within and outside the LMB through collaborative inputs and team-working. Your research programme should be suitably ambitious to take full advantage of the outstanding and stable research environment at the LMB.
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
* To develop and lead a programme of research that addresses long-term fundamental biological questions through the study of macromolecular structure and/or cellular scale.
* Areas of interest include discovery biology and/or methods development, using experimental and/or computational approaches.
* To publish the work of the group in appropriate internationally visible scientific journals and other relevant media.
* To present the results of the research at national and international meetings and conferences.
* To recruit, train and line manage group members.
* To manage the financial and equipment resources of the group including purchasing and managing the effective use of capital equipment.
* To translate the results of research into useful new approaches or treatments that improve human health.
* To contribute to the MRC's engagement with the public and in particular to communicate the excitement of research to the public and taxpayer.
* To ensure that any intellectual property is protected for the benefit of the country and the world.
* Planning the scientific direction of the research programme aimed at key questions within the overall scientific remit of the Structural Studies Division; being accountable for presenting the programme for peer review in accordance with MRC funding procedures.
* Directing the activities of the research group by supervising some projects personally and overseeing projects delegated to group members. The post holder will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to lead a programme of cutting-edge research and to shape the overall aims and success of the group.
* Disseminating the research output from the group by publication of results, presentations at scientific meetings and responding to media enquiries.
* Determining, obtaining and managing the resource requirements to sustain the programme, including the staffing structure required for taking forward the programme of research.
* Taking responsibility for the recruitment, management, training and career development of group members, including line management and performance management, in accordance with the MRC's policies and procedures.
* Generating and managing collaborations both within the Division and LMB and with external establishments.
* Recognising and acting on opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and cooperating in patent protection and in exploitation.
* Contributing to the MRC's commitment in the areas of training, enhancing public awareness of scientific issues, interaction with academic and health service providers and commercial exploitation where appropriate.
* Maintaining a broad balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues especially those pertaining directly to the field of research.
* Contributing to scientific progress in the field as a whole by, for example, membership of expert committees, editing specialist journals, refereeing funding applications.
* Contributing to public communications initiatives in order to facilitate greater public engagement with science.
* Ensuring the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.
Working relationships:
You will report to the Joint Heads of Division. As an independent Research Group Leader, you will interact with scientists and support staff at all levels within Structural Studies and the LMB, and externally with senior personnel in the national and international research community, including research institutes, funding bodies and commercial companies.
Additional information:
Research Group Leader Tenure Track appointments will be made for those who have demonstrated the potential to develop into tenured Research Group Leaders within six years.
Candidates with appropriate levels of experience may be given responsibility for oversight of core scientific activities with the LMB.