Director MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional scientist to direct an internationally renowned MRC Unit in the field of mitochondrial biology and their dysfunction in disease. The new director will succeed Professor Sir John Walker when he stands down in December 2012.

The MRC’s Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MBU) has been led by Professor Sir John Walker for ten years, and has an outstanding international reputation. The Unit’s current budget is just under £40m over 5 years.

The Unit has nine independent research groups. Collaborations with clinical researchers and pharmaceutical companies are underway to exploit the fundamental findings. The MRC expects that the Unit will build on its track record to explore mitochondrial biology in the context of disease mechanisms and of metabolic systems, fostering clinical and translational links.

The University of Cambridge provides a world-leading environment with substantial opportunities for interactions and collaborations in basic and clinical sciences. The MBU is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which includes the University of Cambridge Clinical School and the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Addenbrooke’s).

Scientific interactions already exist between the MBU and both the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and the Institute of Metabolic Science. Further interactions and collaboration with these two cross-departmental Institutes would be encouraged.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional non-clinical or clinical scientist, with an excellent track record in any area of mitochondrial biology. The candidate will need to show a clear vision for the Unit, demonstrable leadership and strategic skills, and the ability to forge new partnerships nationally and internationally. Additionally, the new director will be expected to lead their own internationally competitive programme of research.

This is a senior appointment by the MRC and the University of Cambridge. The incoming director would normally be appointed as an MRC employee, but the option to be appointed to an MRC Research Professorship held through the University remains open. This would be discussed on appointment.

The salary offered will reflect the seniority of the post and will be in excess of £80,000 per annum. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

Please review the following documents:

• Person Specification
• Director’s Key Responsibilities
• Further information from the School of Clinical Medicine
• MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit - Background

Closing date: Friday 4th November 2011

Interview date: 17th January 2012

To discuss your interest, in strict confidence, please contact:

Nicola Gwinnett, Head of Resourcing

E-mail: nicola.gwinnett@ssc.rcuk.ac.uk or

Tel: +44 (0)1793 867432