Investigator Scientist
MRC Prion Unit
£30,916 - £36,320
The MRC Prion Unit is a world-leading research centre studying prion and other neurodegenerative diseases. It is embedded within the UCL Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and housed in excellent purpose-built facilities. Unit programmes are highly multi-disciplinary and span structural and molecular biology, human and mouse genetics, cellular and animal models, small molecule and immuno-therapeutics, and clinical research. (For further details please visit our website: http://www.prion.ucl.ac.uk).
We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to work as part of a team investigating the structure and folding of prion protein and its interactions with ligands. You will be characterising the structure and stability of the normal and disease-associated forms of prion protein and elucidating the pathway by which the former is converted to the latter. The effect of potential interacting partners which influence conversion will be examined. Appropriate skills in biochemical and biophysical techniques are essential.
Working as part of a team, the ability to use initiative and sound scientific judgement to tackle problems and make decisions without supervision will prove invaluable. Subject to satisfactory performance, the post is permanent.
You will have a good degree in biochemistry or related discipline and a PhD in similar. Experience of protein structural biology and ligand-binding would be an advantage along with experience of protein folding and biochemistry. You must be self-motivated, innovative and able to work co-operatively as part of a team. The ability to analyse data rigorously to make sound scientific judgments and to use original thinking to tackle problems will be important. You will be flexible, have good organisational and inter-personal skills.
The closing date for applications is 21st May 2013.
To apply please visit the Apply button below and submit CV and cover letter, saving the documents with reference number IRC93533 included in the filename.
Only online applications will be accepted. Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003. Please quote the appropriate reference number when calling.
