MRC Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Synthetic Biology LMS 2648

Overall purpose:

We are a team of six people based at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences. We love seeing our work going all the way from basic science discoveries to real-life technology or a product. We are interested in understanding how to design plant responses and development, and in the next three years we aim to progress towards creating plants with various designer traits. The work will combine DNA design and assembly with prototyping in plant cell culture and potentially transgenic plants.

In the last several years, we mainly worked on engineering bioluminescence in plants (), and understanding the structure-function relationship in proteins ().

Our current focus is on applying synthetic biology to design plants with agricultural and aesthetic applications.

For more information about the lab, visit our website:

Key Responsibilities

To take initiatives in the planning of research To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data To conduct data analysis To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings To write reports for submission to research sponsors To present findings to colleagues and at conferences To submit publications to refereed journals To provide guidance to staff and students To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary To develop contacts and research collaborations within the LMS and the wider community To promote the reputation of the Group, the Institute To provide guidance to PhD Students To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work To actively participate in the research programme of the Group To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars To collaborate with other allied scientists within UKRI, Imperial College and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required To comply with the Institute, College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Institute/Department/Section

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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):

Essential:

PhD (or equivalent experience) in research, industrial or commercial experience

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

Knowledge of research methods and statistical procedures Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals Practical experience in molecular biology techniques One first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Personal Skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):

Essential:

Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature Ability to develop and apply new concepts Creative approach to problem-solving Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the Internet Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative Flexible attitude towards work Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and attend conferences Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand

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