Research Support Officer - Cell Biology - Dr Emmanuel Derivery - LMB 2636

Medical Research Council; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Cambridge seeks a Research Support Officer to assist in investigating molecular mechanisms of receptor trafficking. The role involves conducting experiments, purifying proteins, and collaborating within a dynamic research environment, enhancing skills in molecular biology.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays

Family-friendly policies including maternity leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Health and Wellbeing Support

Qualifications

• Experience in protein purification is advantageous.
• Experience in bacterial cell culture and molecular biology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic research by setting up and recording experiments.
• Perform tasks including cloning and purifying designed binders.
• Conduct literature searches and contribute to research reports.

Skills

Laboratory bench work skills

Safe use of chemicals

Preparation of buffers

Sterile technique

Analytic calculations

Creativity

Initiative

Teamwork

Education

BSc or higher-level qualification in a relevant field of science or engineering

Relevant Masters or equivalent relevant laboratory experience

Job description

Research Support Officer - Cell Biology - Dr Emmanuel Derivery - LMB 2636

View Vacancy -- Research Support Officer - Cell Biology - Dr Emmanuel Derivery - LMB 2636

Open Date

12/06/2025, 08:00

Close Date

10/07/2025, 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

Band

MRC - 5

Location

Cambridge

Salary

£30,911 to £35,346 per annum

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Job Type

Science

Full Time / Part Time

Full Time

Contract Length

2 years

Job Description

Overall purpose:
To work within the group of Dr Emmanuel Derivery at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), providing research support for a programme investigating the molecular mechanisms of receptor trafficking at the level of endosomes. Specifically, to express and purify a panel of de-novo designed binders targeting receptors and the various machineries involved in protein sorting. These binders will then in turn be used as fluorescent probes to image the dynamics of endosomal sorting by state-of-the-art multispectral microscopy developed in the host lab, or to selectively modulate key steps of endosomal sorting in order to infer molecular mechanisms.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

To assist with basic research by setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments.

To perform tasks arranged by your supervisor that may include some but not necessarily all of:

• Cloning, expressing, purifying de novo designed binders targeting the various machineries underlying endosomal sorting
• Chemically label de novo designed binders with fluorescent dyes to use them as biosensors using high-end multispectral microscopy
• Characterize the binding of de novo designed binders to their target, and their physiological consequences on target's activity

To organise and communicate information from the above tasks to your supervisor.

To conduct literature and database searches.

To contribute to the production of research reports.

To ensure and maintain an efficient and tidy Laboratory.

Work with both your supervisor and other members of the project team on the above support tasks.

To ensure that all tasks are carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, working as part of a team, and responsible use of communal facilities.

Working relationships:

You will be line managed by Dr Emmanuel Derivery and will be co-supervised by Dr Vicente Planelles Herrero, staff scientist in the team and expert biochemist. You will interact and collaborate with Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students in your Group and LMB facilities.

Person Specification

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential:
Applicants should have a BSc or higher-level qualification in a relevant field of science or engineering

Desirable:
Relevant Masters or equivalent relevant laboratory experience

Previous work experience required:

Essential:
• Basic laboratory bench work skills including safe use of chemicals, preparation of buffers and other reagents, sterile technique, lab safety, and routine analytic calculations.
• Experience or theoretical knowledge of protein purification would be an advantage, but training will be given

Desirable:
• Any experience in bacterial cell culture, insect cell culture, molecular biology, protein purification, and/or chemical labelling of proteins with fluorescent dyes will be a plus.

Knowledge and experience:

Creativity and initiative
Essential:
• Ability to plan daily tasks and experiments, collate and analyse data
• Understanding of lab health and safety

Desirable:
Practical experience of using and maintaining scientific equipment

Independent working
Essential:
Proven skills in working independently (after sufficient training) and as part of a team; initiative to seek support and help from the supervisor and colleagues when needed.

Desirable:
Capacity to learn new methods with trained.

Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:
• Experience of giving presentations on scientific research

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
• Reliability and enthusiasm.
• Strong organisational skills. Methodical and thorough.
• Passion for science and a desire to continue to develop skills and knowledge.
• Proactive in seeking solutions to problems and keen to take responsibility.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

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, 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.

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