Postdoctoral Scientist - Neurobiology - Dr Benjamin Falcon - LMB 1158

Postdoctoral Scientist

Starting Salary £30,914 to £33,755 per annum

3 Years

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK

An opportunity is available for a postdoctoral researcher to join the group of Dr Benjamin Falcon at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/group-leaders/a-to-g/benjamin-falcon/) to use electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structures of neurodegenerative disease-associated protein assemblies from human brain.

We work to understand the molecular basis of protein assembly into amyloid in neurodegenerative disease. We have previously used cryo-EM to determine the structures of Tau filaments in Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, revealing the existence of disease-specific conformers of filamentous Tau. This project aims to build on this work to determine the pathological activities and structures of assemblies of other key proteins in neurodegenerative disease, using human brain samples identified by our neuropathologist collaborators.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will thrive in a friendly and supportive group. You should have a background in neuroscience or biochemistry and a strong interest in the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Experience with protein purification would be particularly useful. Experience with cryo-EM would be an advantage, but is not essential as this position provides the opportunity to learn and develop these techniques within a world-leading laboratory.

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology provides an unsurpassed environment for early-career researchers, including an international, collaborative community, training and mentoring programmes for career development and world-class core facilities. In addition, the MRC provides excellent healthcare and social benefits.

The successful applicant will be awarded a three year Career Development Fellowship / Postdoctoral training Scheme position. This is a training and development position for a post-doctoral scientist who has recently completed their doctoral studies, is moving into a new research discipline or has limited experience of key transferable skills. The MRC LMB has excellent scientific core facilities and training opportunities.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Benjamin Falcon at bfalcon@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk. Additional information about the Neurobiology Division and the Laboratory as a whole can be found at http://www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology is a research institute within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org.

Working for UKRI MRC provides a whole host of benefits including:

• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Excellent holiday entitlement (40 ½ days including bank holidays & privilege days)
• Benenden Healthcare membership
• Access to employee shopping/travel discounts
• On site sport and social facilities
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
• Childcare vouchers

To apply and access full details of the vacancy please visit our job board. 

If you are unable to apply online please contact us at recruit@mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date: 06/10/2019

Final appointments will be subject to a pre-employment screening.

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer who participates in the Disability Confident scheme.