Download University of Bristol: Academic Unit of Primary Health Care

FULL-TIME JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW
MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit (MMRU)
Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine
_____________________________________________________________________
A. THE CONTEXT
The MMRU is engaged in studying aspects of the physiology and metabolism of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis of relevance to tuberculosis drug discovery, drug resistance and
mycobacterial persistence.
The MMRU consists of technical staff, postgraduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and
faculty members. Postgraduate students perform work on their own research projects, with
the aim of obtaining a higher degree upon completion thereof. Postdoctoral researchers
perform work on their own research projects, co-supervise post-graduate students, and have
scientific oversight for certain aspects of the Unit’s technical work. Junior faculty members
have responsibilities similar to that of post-doctoral researchers, but are also expected to
develop their own research projects, within the broad scope of the MMRU, and to generate
independent funding for these projects.
B. THE RESEARCH PROJECT THAT THE JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW WILL BE
INVOLVED IN
Over the past three years, the MMRU has developed a major research program in the biology
of TB drug discovery that involves the development and application of new tools for use in the
identification of novel anti-mycobacterial agents and in the identification and validation of
novel drug targets. This research program is funded by grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, the European Commission and the South African MRC (through SHIP). The first
part of the research project involves the development, refinement and application of a broad
suite of biological assays to characterize the mechanisms of action of compounds/compound
classes that possess whole-cell activity against M. tuberculosis for application in hit/lead
triage and prioritization. The second part of the project focuses on identifying the most
vulnerable steps in the coenzyme A biosynthesis pathway of M. tuberculosis using a chemical
genetic approach. Together, the research activities will be directed at the identification of
validated hit‐target pairs as starting points for the development of new anti-tubercular drugs.
C. THE POST
This is a full-time position in the MMRU, which is located within the Institute of Infectious
Disease and Molecular Medicine. The post is funded by a grant from the Foundation of the
NIH (FNIH), provided as a sub-award from the “Identification of High-Quality Hits for
Tuberculosis (HIT-TB)” grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
D. ROLE OF THE INCUMBENT
The Junior Research Fellow will be responsible for carrying out research activities relating to
the abovementioned project, and will also be responsible for the development of new projects
and collaborations arising from these activities.
E. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Junior Research Fellow
AREA:
MMRU, IDM
REPORTS TO: Prof. Valerie Mizrahi
JOB PURPOSE:
1
The purpose of this job is to engage in all aspects of the research process independently.
This includes developing and conducting the research project, data curation and analysis,
publication of results, successfully completing applications for research grants, and
supervision of postgraduate students and junior technical staff.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Research
Developing and conducting own research
Successful publication of results in high impact journals
Supervising postgraduate students’ and more junior staff members’ research activities
Contributing towards developing the MMRU’s strategic research focus
Teaching & Learning
Supervising postgraduate students’ training and participate in departmental teaching
activities, as necessary
Grants
Grant writing
Leadership, Management and Administration
Efficiently managing own and MMRU research funds and lab resources
Maintaining healthy relationships with all stakeholders, including communication and
liaison between MMRU staff, collaborators and sponsors
Support MMRU’s senior leadership team in facilitating and organising MMRU’s
laboratory, virtual and academic meetings.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INCUMBENT:
Desirable personal attributes and competencies
The ability to work in a team, foster co-operation between team members, build team
spirit, and manage people and co-ordinate their involvement in projects;
The ability to be innovative, to look for creative solutions to difficult problems, to seek
and propose new opportunities to enhance effectiveness;
The ability to effect appropriate leadership in the attainment of goals and objectives,
express opinions in a constructive and assertive way, sharing information and
encouraging feedback;
The ability to think analytically and independently and aggressively tackle new
challenges, breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts in a systematic way
Qualification
PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or related subject area
Skills and Abilities
Excellent skills in the research process
Excellent knowledge of molecular biology
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent one-on-one teaching skills
Excellent grant writing skills
Excellent scientific manuscript writing skills
Excellent presentation skills
Basic grant management, including fiscal management skills
Excellent skills in developing and maintaining productive collaborations
2
Good understanding of capacity development within the South African context
Experience
A minimum of 3 years’ postdoctoral experience in working with Mycobacterium
tuberculosis in a research laboratory
3