Location
Norwich, Norfolk | United Kingdom
Job description
Main Purpose of the Job
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the research team of Dr Michael Webster at the John Innes Centre to carry out individual and collaborative research projects.
The successful applicant will study the structure and function of chloroplast gene expression complexes involved in producing the photosynthetic machinery of plants. A range of experimental approaches will be integrated to understand how genes that encode photosynthetic proteins are expressed. These include macromolecular structure determination by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), quantitative biochemical experiments, biophysical analysis of molecular interactions, and the discovery of regulatory proteins by proteomic analyses. General molecular biology techniques will also be involved.
The role will also involve assisting Lab members in a collaborative environment and interpreting and presenting scientific data.
Key Relationships
The appointee will work closely with other members of the Webster Lab and communicate with other researchers at the John Innes Centre. Contacts include research support staff, the postdoctoral and student communities on-site and external collaborators.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- Percentage
- Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project
- 60
- Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media
- 10
- Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence
- 5
- Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities
- 5
- Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements
- 5
- Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings
- 5
- Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications
- 5
- Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders
- 5
- As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees
Education & Qualifications
- Requirement
- Importance
- PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline
- Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- In-depth knowledge of gene expression processes
- Essential
- In-depth knowledge of biomolecular structure determination methods
- Essential
- Protein-nucleic acid interaction analysis
- Desirable
Relevant Experience
- Requirement
- Importance
- Demonstrated ability to deliver clear oral research presentations
- Essential
- Develop novel ideas in the area of molecular mechanisms
- Essential
- Proven record in scientific writing as evidenced by publication
- Essential
- Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students
- Essential
- Protein purification by chromatographic methods
- Essential
- Experience with design of biochemical experiments
- Essential
- Experience of molecular cloning for recombinant expression of proteins
- Essential
- Cryo-EM single particle analysis
- Desirable
- Experience of protein-nucleic acid interaction analysis
- Desirable
- Proteomics and ChIP-seq
- Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity
- Essential
- Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures
- Essential
- Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Essential
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
- Essential
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Essential
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
- Essential
- Promotes and strives for continuous improvement
- Essential
Additional Requirements
- Requirement
- Importance
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Essential
- Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
- Essential
- Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute
- Essential
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate
- Essential
- Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
- Essential
- Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars
- Essential
- Attention to detail
- Essential
Job tags
Salary
£35.3k - £43.75k per annum
