Research Support Officer | Cell Biology | Dr Buzz Baum | LMB 2904

£31,916 to £36,495 per annum

This is a fixed-term position until 31 December 2027 due to time limited funding from an external grant.

Overall purpose:

To work within the group of Dr Buzz Baum at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), within a programme aimed at understanding the generation and evolution of biological form: from archaea to eukaryotes.

The individual will join the Baum lab to aid our work studying cell shape control as well as growth and division cycles in archaea. Their task will be to collaborate with other team members to determine how Sulfolobus and Asgard archaea grow and divide.

Main duties/key responsibilities:

• To undertake research aimed at better understanding archaeal cell biology.
• To perform a range of support duties that may include:
• Preparing media.
• Passaging Asgard archaeal cultures.
• Testing the composition of mixed archaeal cultures.
• Developing tools to aid live cell imaging and immunofluorescent microscopy.
• To present information on research progress and outcomes within the group and the LMB.
• To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, as well as taking responsibility for communal reagents and facilities.
• To contribute to the production of research reports, protocols, and publications.
• To plan and manage experimental work within the project along with the supervisor and other members of the project team.
• To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice, scientific integrity and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.

Working relationships:

You will report to Buzz Baum and will interact and collaborate with Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support staff and students, not only in your group, but also across the LMB and with external groups as necessary.

Person Requirements

Academic qualifications:

Essential: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, such as biology, biochemistry, cell biology, engineering, evolutionary biology, or molecular genetics.

Desirable: Masters degree or equivalent relevant experience in microbial research.

Previous work experience required:

Essential:

• Basic understanding of molecular and cell biology.
• Experience of basic cell culture/techniques (e.g. splitting cells, sterile culture technique).
• Experience working with microbial cultures.
• Experience with microscopy.
• Experience with phylogenetics.
• Experience with genome data analysis.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in archaeal research.
• Experience in the development of methods/tools.
• Experimental techniques relevant to the role, which could include (but not limited to): PCR / RT-PCR.
• Western blotting.
• Next generation sequencing.
• Live cell imaging.
• Microfabrication.
• Previous experience with bioinformatics and data analysis.

Knowledge and experience:

Creativity and initiative:

Essential:

• Ability to plan and carry out experiments, collate and analyse data.
• Understanding of lab health and safety.

Desirable:

• Experience of general lab management, including purchasing consumables and reproducibly preparing communal reagents according to established protocols.
• Ability to troubleshoot challenges and suggest new approaches.

Independent working:

Essential: Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.

Desirable: Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

• Able to work collaboratively and harmoniously as part of a team.
• Well organised and reliable, with exceptional record-keeping.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Good communication skills with other members of the team and LMB.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the:

• MRC Code of Conduct
• MRC Equality and Diversity policy
• UKRI Health and Safety policy
• UKRI 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.

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