Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Michel Goedert - LMB 2752

UK Research and Innovation; Hartford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to focus on the development of protein assembly methods related to neurodegenerative diseases. The role requires expertise in cryo-EM and molecular biology techniques, along with a commitment to personal development and compliance with safety policies. The successful candidate will participate in training programs and collaborate with other researchers to advance their scientific career while contributing to groundbreaking research efforts.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

Generous holiday entitlement (30 days plus)

Family-friendly policies

Health and Wellbeing Support

Salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in generating experimental models of amyloid formation.
• Knowledge of cryo-EM or cryo-ET techniques.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques including cloning and cell culture.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
• Develop and apply a range of research techniques.
• Draft scientific papers and prepare research for publication.

Skills

Experience in generation of experimental models

Cryo-EM/cryo-ET

Molecular biology techniques

Ability to communicate

Working with others

Education

Doctoral degree

Tools

Protein purification

Cloning

Job description

Overview

The assembly of the proteins tau, alpha‑synuclein and beta‑amyloid into abnormal amyloid filaments is central to the development of most cases of human neuro­degenerative disease. Since 2017, we have been using electron cryo‑microscopy (cryo‑EM) to determine the structures of these filaments from human brains. We have shown that specific filament folds define distinct diseases, with differences in filament structures being between some diseases, but not between individuals with a given disease. To understand mechanisms of disease, one must be able to form filaments in experimental settings that have the same structures as those from human brains in vitro, in cells and in animals. This has so far only been achieved for Alzheimer tau filaments. This position is to develop methods for producing additional tau folds and to use cryo‑EM and/or electron cryo‑tomography (cryo‑ET) to further analyse tau folds. Recombinant mutant tau proteins, mixed primary cortical mouse cultures and differentiated human iPSCs will be used, as will amyloid seeds prepared from diseased human brains. Animals will be transgenic mice that express tau in brain cells.

Responsibilities

• To undertake research aimed at understanding mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
• 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.
• 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.

Training & Development

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.

Security & Compliance

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

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.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have experience in the generation of experimental models of amyloid formation and/or cryo‑EM/cryo‑ET. Experience in standard molecular biology techniques of cloning and cell culture or protein purification. Desirable Experience in pluripotent stem cell conversion or cryo EM/cryo‑ET, Originality, Ability to communicate, Working with others.

Benefits

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) provides a comprehensive benefits package including a defined benefit pension scheme, generous 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, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice scheme to work‑scheme.