Overview
Open Date: 14/01/2026, 08:00. Close Date: 11/02/2026, 23:55.
Institute: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).
The LMB is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has contributed to techniques such as protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The institute aims to understand biological processes at the molecular level to tackle health and disease, pursuing long-term, high-impact research with sustained investment.
There are four scientific Divisions – Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. Collaboration between Divisions is extensive. The LMB provides strong scientific facilities and support from the Operations Group.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a partner network that collaborates to support research and innovation. More information can be found at UKRI.
Details
Band: MRC - 4
Location: Cambridge
Salary: £42,694 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Type: Science
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Contract Length: 3 years
Job Description
Overall purpose: To work within the group of Suyang Zhang at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at elucidating the mechanism of transcription-coupled splicing. Specifically, the project aims to understand the mechanism of co-transcriptional spliceosome assembly using a combined biochemical and structural approach with a focus on cryoEM and isolation from mammalian cells. The candidate will join a vibrant team in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Main Duties
* To undertake research aimed at characterizing the interactions between the transcription and splicing machineries.
* 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.
Working Relationships
You will report to Dr Zhang and 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.
Additional Information
This is a three-year training and development position for a Postdoctoral Scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. We support Postdoctoral Scientists with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including:
* MRC training courses.
* External training and personal development courses.
* One-to-one training with your Supervisor and other Scientists.
You Will Commit To Undertaking The Following
* Developing and following a personal development plan.
* Attending training courses.
* Identifying additional training which will support you to develop your career.
Person Specification
Academic Qualifications: These should include a PhD in a relevant subject or due to complete PhD within 6 months.
Technical Skills And Expertise: Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.
Essential: A strong background in structural biology or biochemistry.
Desirable: Experience in cryo-EM, protein purification and mammalian cell work.
Track Record Of Research: This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers including first author publications.
Other Relevant Evidence Of
* Commitment.
* Originality.
* Ability to communicate.
* Working with others.
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 -
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, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview.
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.
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