Senior Laboratory Research Scientist: Thermal Desorption/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Specialist

Applies an in-depth knowledge of research, technical or other scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal academic qualifications and applies this knowledge to provide a range of specialist activities. Senior Laboratory Research Scientist is the level at which careers in this functional family typically stabilise.
Deadline for applications has passed.

Key information

Job reference
R789
Salary
From £36,500 subject to skills and experience.
Applications closed
10 July 2022, 23:59 BST
Hours per week
36 (full time)
Posted 09 June 2022
Background texture taken from the lab imagery.

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist: Thermal Desorption/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Specialist (4 year fixed term)

This is a full-time, fixed term (4 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

         

Summary

The Francis Crick Institute seeks a talented and highly motivated expert in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with a particular focus on thermal desorption protocols. The post holder will work between the Metabolomics Scientific Technology Platform, led by James MacRae (www.crick.ac.uk/metabolomics), and the Neural Circuits and Evolution lab, led by Lucia Prieto-Godino (www.crick.ac.uk/research/labs/lucia-prieto-godino).

The Metabolomics STP is a leading centre for GC-MS analysis and technology development, housing state-of-the-art instrumentation. An example of this is thermal desorption coupled with GC-MS (TDU-GC-MS) which is used by the Prieto-Godino lab to characterise ‘the odour landscape’ of environments inhabited by different flies, some of which are pests and/or transmit diseases. The initial aim of this position is to expand on our current suite of methodologies by establishing a sophisticated analytical set-up for deeper analysis of the volatile molecules that comprise these odour landscapes. This will involve working closely between both labs in order to implement and develop sophisticated technologies, including TDU-GC-MS methods and integration of these into neurophysiology analytical set-ups. Roles of the post-holder will include bespoke method development, data acquisition, and data analysis & interpretation/dissemination. Further roles include training researchers to use the equipment and analyse data. Excellent, proven communication skills are required, as is the ability to work independently, under time constraints, in an open communicative manner.

This position is 4 years fixed-term initially, with the possibility to convert to an open-ended term upon successful review. The post provides a unique opportunity to work with leading edge metabolomics techniques and to become deeply involved in the diverse research topics across the Crick.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

  • Metabolomics and mass spectrometry operations (60%). Efficient operation and maintenance of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrumentation. Effective performance of in house-established metabolomics procedures, including generation of metabolomics samples and implementation of GC-MS, Thermal desorption, and solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) methods, along with establishing a coupled GC-MS-neurophysiology apparatus. This will also include experimental design, development of thermal desorption/mass spectrometry techniques, and as appropriate.
  • Data analysis (30%). Effectively use data analysis software to process raw mass spectrometry metabolomics data and analyse large-scale metabolomics datasets, including statistical analysis; this will include feature identification and production of processed, analysed MS data in a format appropriate for presentation and publication.
  • Training (10%). The post holder will be responsible for training other Crick researchers in the operation of the thermal desorption/GC-MS set up. This will include training in sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis.

Key experience and competencies

The successful candidate with the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from Crick scientists working in other disciplines; in particular, wider metabolomics/mass spectrometry techniques, cell biology, biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential:

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

  • Evidence of experience (>3 years) in Metabolomics, Mass Spectrometry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and/or Statistics.
  • Evidence of significant (>3 years) experience in operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instruments.
  • Experience in thermal desorption techniques and SPME.
  • Experience with mass spectrometer-associated data handling packages.
  • Experience in metabolomics data analysis and statistics.
  • Ability to work with day-to-day independence; good oral and written communication skills.
  • Open and interactive with line manager, laboratory colleagues, and peers.
  • Organisational and time-management skills in order to be able to perform to strict deadlines.

Desirable

  • Ph.D. in Metabolomics, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or other related discipline.
  • Experience in headspace analysis
  • High-quality refereed publications as a demonstration of productivity.
  • Proactive design/implementation of new analytical methods.
  • Ability to synthesise scientific information into logical arguments; creativity and ability to think from first principles.
  • Knowledge of other key metabolomics platforms (e.g. LC-MS).