Job Description and Person Specification Template s1

Job description and person specification

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Summary details Unit name: MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit Division/Section: Mitochondrial Genetics Job title Investigator Scientist *Salary range: £27,355 - £32,648 per annum *Band (Grade): Band 4 *Contract type (e.g. Open/Fixed term): Open *Hours (e.g. full or part time): Full-time, 36 hours per week Detailed job description Overall purpose:

To lead one or more projects within the Mitochondrial Genetics programme. In particular, to study novel human genes involved in regulation of the mitochondrial genome that are associated with human disease.

To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training junior members of the group.

To be a focus on experimental work on mitochondrial molecular genetics. In particular, the analysis of mitochondrial RNA biology using high-throughput methods.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

Main duties Under the general leadership of the Group Leader, to be responsible for all aspects of the research projects, including defining the direction of the work, conducting the research, analysing the data, preparing the work for publication and disseminating the results at meetings. To identify, develop and apply a broad range of molecular biology techniques to pursue the research objectives, in particular: - maintaining and propagating mammalian cell lines under a variety of growth conditions; - cloning, expressing and inactivating various genes in mammalian cell lines.

Investigator Scientist Job description & person specification Page 1 of 4 - preparing highly purified mitochondrial RNA, - analysing mitochondria, mitochondrial RNA by molecular biology and biochemical techniques, with the key focus on high-throughput methods that use next-generation sequencing.

To contribute to the laboratory management together with the Group Leader. This includes: - organising collections of antibodies, vectors, cell lines, chemicals etc - ordering and keeping stock of laboratory consumables used on the day-to-day basis - taking on responsibilities for managing of specific equipment and H&S arrangements

To present their work at seminars within the Unit and at external meetings.

To contribute to lab-wide discussions on developments within the laboratory, particularly in the use of new techniques or new equipment.

To identify, develop and apply a broad range of novel techniques to pursue the research objectives.

To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.

To prepare the research for publication.

To work in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.

To train PhD students, post-docs and others, and line management of group members where appropriate.

To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements in health care.

Key Responsibilities The key responsibility is to undertake cutting edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the research group. They will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to deliver the research and to play a major role in shaping the overall aims and success of the group.

While some advice will be available from others in the Unit, the post holder will be expected to have the skill and understanding to be able to act independently in solving problems, many of which may require novel approaches. This will require the integration of different activities to ensure the successful delivery of the research projects.

To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines, and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches.

To interact effectively with a wide range of staff, students and others to ensure the smooth running of the research group. This will include setting an example in the effective use of resources, training others in methods and use of equipment and taking responsibility for the use of communal facilities. To potentially take on specific responsibilities for managing equipment.

To write scientific papers and to present at internal meetings and at conferences.

To ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal requirements.

To recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and to cooperate in patent protection and in exploitation.

Investigator Scientist Job description and person specification Page 2 of 4 To identify opportunities for additional funding, and to apply for external grants where appropriate.

Where line management responsibilities are undertaken, these responsibilities, including staff development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC’s policies and procedures. Training will be provided if required.

Working relationships:

The post holder will report to Dr Michal Minczuk and will liaise with other Research Support staff, post-doctoral scientists and students within the Group and across the MBU and with external collaborators.

Additional information: This is a position for an experienced post-doctoral scientist. Professional development of the post-holder is supported with a range of formal and on-the-job training, including: - MRC training courses - External workshops and personal development courses - One-to-one training with supervisor and other senior scientists

Equality & Diversity The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equalities and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:  Code of Conduct  Equality and Diversity policy  Health and Safety policy  Data Protection and Security policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post holder and their manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is 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 requirements Education / Qualifications / Training required:

Essential: PhD in mitochondrial biology Significant relevant post-doctoral research experience. Desirable: Experience in mitochondrial molecular genetics and/or RNA biochemistry

Investigator Scientist Job description and person specification Page 3 of 4 Previous work experience required:

Essential: Significant postdoctoral research experience in mitochondrial molecular biology and genetics. Experience in analysing nucleic acids using high-throughput methods. Desirable: Previous experience in analysing nucleic acid modifications.

Knowledge and experience:

Specific Research Skills Essential: Tissue culture, isolation of mitochondria from mammalian cells and tissues, Western blotting, PCR and qPCR, NGS library preparation, fluorescent microscopy, immunoprecipitation Desirable: Bisulphite sequencing analysis of RNA, experience in iPSC, single cell analysis.

Creativity and Initiative Essential: Has developed new techniques/methodologies, which have added value to scientific work. Experience/results in cutting edge research

Independent working Essential: Proven skills in working independently to solve experimental problems.

Verbal and written communication skills Essential: Experience in presenting scientific work, both written and orally. Desirable: At least two good quality first author publications (IF>10) in the relevant field.

Mentoring Essential: Has experience of training others “on the job”. Desirable: Line management experience of PhD students.

Collaborations/ Influencing Skills Essential: Has strong skills and experience in working collaboratively as a member of a team.

Intellectual Property Essential: Understanding of how research activities are affected by and will impact on MRC’s mission statements on knowledge transfer.

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities: Essential: Excellent standards of Research Conduct, Highly-motivated, Strong team player, Capable of taking independent decisions, Collaborative.

Additional information:

Investigator Scientist Job description and person specification Page 4 of 4