Career Returners Fellowship | Molecular Biology and Biomedical Sciences | LMB 2208

Full time or part time options can be considered Overall purpose: The Fellow will undertake research within the overall direction of the group to which they are assigned. The remit of the project will be agreed in discussion with the Group Leader, and you will make significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan. This is a training position to provide a pathway back to science for those who have, for whatever reason, stepped away from science such as for caring responsibilities of children or family members, long term sickness etc. The LMB is committed to playing its part to broaden the diversity of scientists within its community and this Fellowship will provide opportunities for talented scientists to return to the lab and to continue on their scientific career trajectory. Main duties: • 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 contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication and draft scientific papers. • 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: To plan your own work and objectives on a 12-month basis and manage your experimental work within the project along with your Group Leader. 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 the assigned Group Leader 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 scientists have had a minimum of 12 months away from research. We support Fellows with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including: • Training budget. • UKRI training courses. • External training and personal development courses. • One-to-one training with your Group Leader 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. Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements 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. Person requirements Academic qualifications: These should include a PhD in a relevant subject area (or equivalent). Technical skills and expertise: You will have experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the group you are hoping to join. It is advised that you speak to the Group Leader for information about specific skill areas required. Your application will be assessed using the following criteria: • PhD in a relevant subject area or equivalent (assessed in your application) • Track record of research - this will include achievements and contributions to published papers (assessed in your application and interview) • Clear evidence of your capacity to learn new skills, and pick up new techniques quickly (assessed in your application and interview) • Demonstrable scientific curiosity and motivation (assessed at interview) • Demonstrable ambition for using this Fellowship as a springboard for your scientific career (assessed in your application and interview) • Examples of being a team player with the ability to work with others in a collegiate and collaborative environment (assessed at interview) • Ability to effectively communicate ideas and results to collaborators and present orally to different groups (assessed in your application and interview) • Ability to effectively prioritise and work independently (assessed in your application and interview) • Detail orientated with strong problem-solving skills (assessed at interview) Track record of research: As above Other relevant evidence of your: • Commitment • Originality Additional information: When applying online it is essential that you upload: 1. A completed application form 2. Scientific CV 3. Covering letter. See the dedicated webpage for detailed instructions about applying for the Career Returners Fellowship, and a link to download the application form. We will consider applicants who seek to work part time and/or flexible working patterns. About Company 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 X-ray crystallography of proteins, 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. With the opening of our new laboratory the LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both young 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. The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council. Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future. Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities 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. Company UKRI - UK Research and Innovation UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org . Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI . How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’. Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. How to apply Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. As part of the pre-employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening. BPSS is a pre-condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean that the employment offer is rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to run, or re-run, security clearance as required during the course of employment.