View Vacancy -- Research Support Officer - Neurobiology - Dr Marco Tripodi - LMB 2639
Open Date
17/06/2025, 08:00
Close Date
15/07/2025, 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 - 5
Location
Cambridge
Salary
£30,911 - £32,843
Contract Type
Fixed Term
Job Type
Science
Full Time / Part Time
Full Time
Contract Length
Fixed term, until 31 December 2027
Job Description
Overall purpose:
To work within the group of Dr Marco Tripodi at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) and provide research support for work on behavioural, anatomical and electrophysiological studies in rodents. The post-holder will characterise the role of distinct neuronal populations in goal directed behaviours.
Main duties/ Key responsibilities:
• To study and undertake research aimed at characterising the role of distinct neuronal populations in goal directed behaviours.
• To develop and apply a range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
• To prioritise and plan experiments in consultation with Senior Group Members.
• To present scientific work at seminars within the laboratory and at external meetings.
• To ensure and maintain an efficient and tidy laboratory.
• To keep detailed and accurate records of experiments.
Working relationships:
You will report to Dr Marco Tripodi. You will interact and collaborate with other Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and Students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary. You will have day to day guidance by one identified Postdoctoral Scientist for each of up to two projects.
Additional information:
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 and the MRC.
Person Specification
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant subject.
Desirable:
Relevant Master's degree or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
• Experience with design and analysis of rodent's behavioural tests.
• Experience with in vivo studies in rodents.
• Experience with stereotaxic injections.
Desirable:
• Experience with viral design.
• Experience with RNA in situ imaging.
• Holding a valid PIL license.
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and initiative
Essential:
• Ability to carry out experimental programmes.
• Basic bench work skills.
Desirable:
• Has developed new techniques / methodologies that have added value to scientific work.
• Experience of molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, genotyping.
Independent working
Essential:
• Proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems.
Desirable:
• Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods.
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in presenting scientific work.
Desirable:
• Has made contributions to scientific papers.
• IT skills, including Word and Excel.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Essential:
• Motivated individual with a strong desire for self and team development.
• A strong desire to learn new techniques.
• A willingness to deal with many different types of work.
• An ability to learn quickly with a view to being able to eventually work independently.
Desirable:
• Good team player.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and good time management.
Additional information:
Applicants are required to submit a full CV and covering letter.
Further Information
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
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.