Lmb 2017

We are recruiting for two roles to work within the group of Dr Kelly Nguyen at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) on a programme investigating the molecular mechanism of telomere maintenance in mammalian cells.

Role 1: Specifically, to investigate the roles of histones in telomerase assembly and function. The project is built on our recent finding that histones are part of human telomerase holoenzyme (Ghanim et al., 2021) and will involve the use of cell biology, biochemistry and cryo-electron microscopy to characterise the interactions between histones and telomerase in vitro and in vivo.

Role 2: Specifically, to investigate the molecular mechanism of chromosome end-protection in human cells. The project will involve the use of cell biology, biochemistry, cryo-electron tomography for the structural and biochemical characterisation of telomeric DNA binding complexes that are involved in end-protection.

**Main duties**:

- To undertake research aimed at understanding the molecular mechanism of telomere maintenance in mammalian cells.
- 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.

**Key responsibilities**:
Within the overall direction of the programme, the Group, the remit of the project and in discussion with the Group Leader, you will make a significant input into determining the direction of the project within a three-year lifespan.

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 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 Dr Kelly Nguyen 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**:

These are three-year training and development positions for Postdoctoral Scientists who have recently completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research discipline or have 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.

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 and the MRC.
- Person Specification
- **Academic qualifications**:
These should include a PhD in Structural Biology or related field or be due to complete PhD within 6 months.

**Technical skills and expertise**:
Experience of and ability to perform techniques relevant to the project.

Role 1:
Particularly useful to have experience in some of following: mammalian cell culture, cell biology, molecular biology, protein expression and purification, protein/nucleic acid biochemistry, cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.

Role 2:
Particularly useful to have experience in some of following: genome editing, cell biology, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, cryo-electron tomography, cryo-electron microscopy and protein/nucleic acid biochemistry.

**Track record of research**:
This will include achievements, and contributions to published papers.

**Other relevant evidence of**:

- Commitment.
- Originality.
- Ability to communicate.
- Working with others.
- 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 professiona