Research Group Leader | Structural Studies | LMB

Research Group Leader post at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, sitting in its Structural Studies Division. The holder leads an independent research programme on long-term fundamental biology through the study of macromolecular structure, and manages the group's staff, budget and equipment. Appointment is either as a Research Group Leader or on a tenure track for candidates expected to reach tenure within six years.

Fit turns on a Ph.D. and a proven independent track record, with a 3-page research proposal required.

• Lead an independent programme on long-term fundamental biology through macromolecular structure at molecular and/or cellular scales
• Plan the scientific direction of the programme and present it for peer review under MRC funding procedures
• Direct group activity, supervising some projects personally and overseeing others delegated to members
• Recruit, train, line manage and performance manage group members
• Secure and manage the group's funding, staffing, financial and equipment resources, including capital purchases
• Publish results in internationally visible journals and present them at national and international meetings
• Generate and manage collaborations within the Division, the LMB and externally
• Protect and exploit intellectual property, cooperating in patent protection
• Translate research into new approaches or treatments that improve human health
• Communicate research to the public and contribute to public engagement initiatives
• Contribute to the wider field through expert committees, journal editing and refereeing funding applications
• Ensure research follows good practice, local policies and legal requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant subject

• Independent and internationally successful work on a relevant subject
• Publications and other outputs showing ability to initiate and solve challenging questions in structural, molecular and cell biology

• Innovative ideas to address long‑term fundamental biological questions through macromolecular structure
• Proposed research that fits the present and future science of the Division
• Scientific innovation in tackling apparently intractable problems

• Appropriate security screening or vetting for the role

• Proactive, creative and independent thinking
• Ability to lead people inspiringly and work with staff at all levels
• Tenacity and resilience
• CV with full publication list and a 3-page research proposal describing ambitious long‑term goals

• Significant track record with emphasis on quality rather than quantity, relevant to the post
• Successful delivery of projects from proposal stage through to completion
• Evidence of having influenced knowledge or wider practice in the field
• Experience of critical thinking to create and run an independent research programme