Senior Laboratory Research Scientist: Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics 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
R906
Salary
From £36,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Applications closed
18 September 2022, 23:59 BST
Hours per week
36 (full time)
Posted 17 August 2022
Background texture taken from the lab imagery.

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist: Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics Specialist

Reports to: James MacRae, Head of Metabolomics

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 mass spectrometry analyses, with a particular focus on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The post holder will work in the Metabolomics Scientific Technology Platform (STP), led by James MacRae (www.crick.ac.uk/metabolomics) where they will be applying their expertise to perform targeted and discovery metabolomics in the context of biological research. The post provides a unique opportunity to work with cutting edge metabolomics techniques and to become deeply involved in the diverse research topics across The Crick.

The post holder will be pivotal in ensuring efficient operation of the STP and will be responsible for implementation of in house-established mass spectrometry-based metabolomics techniques including sample processing, operation of instruments, and data analysis. Innovation - including development and implementation of new methods - is a strong drive of the STP. Two-way scientific interactions will occur between the post holder and other members of the STP, as well as scientific collaborative partners within the Crick, including post-doctoral researchers, students, and group leaders. The post holder will have roles in lab management, including purchasing, safety, and general organisation.

This position is 4 years fixed term initially, with the possibility to convert to an open-ended term upon successful review. The position is open to candidates of varying experience levels and this will be reflected in salary grade.

Key responsibilities

Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to:

  • Metabolomics and mass spectrometry operations (50%). Efficient operation and maintenance of mass spectrometers – particularly liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and/or other mass spectrometry-based instrumentation (e.g. gas chromatography-MS (GC-MS)). Effective performance of in house-established metabolomics procedures, including generation and extraction of metabolomics samples and data acquisition. This includes experimental design, implementation of stable isotope labelling techniques, and development of novel mass spectrometry techniques, 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 (i.e., univariate and multivariate analyses); 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 LC-MS set up and/or other mass spectrometry-based instrumentation. This will include training in sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis.
  • Laboratory management (10%). The post holder will be responsible for successful day to day operation of the laboratory, with roles including maintenance of safety standards, purchasing, and general organisation.

Key experience and competencies

The successful candidate with the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from Crick scientists working in other disciplines, in particular broader metabolomics/mass spectrometry applications, 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 significant (>3 years) experience in Metabolomics and/or Analytical Chemistry.
  • Evidence of significant (>3 years) experience in operation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of hyphenated-mass spectrometry (in particular LC-MS)
  • Experience in mass spectrometry and metabolomics data analysis and statistics (including targeted and untargeted approaches and concepts such as univariate and multivariate analyses, power calculations, and significance) and use of data analysis software and workflow packages.
  • Experience in design, performance, and analysis of metabolomics labelling experiments (including stable isotope label incorporation experiments).
  • 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, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, or other related discipline.
  • Knowledge of experimental design and metabolomics procedures in the context of large cohort studies.
  • Experience in GC-MS and/or other hyphenated mass spectrometry techniques.
  • Experience in operation of relevant programming environments (e.g. Matlab, R, Python, etc.).
  • Experience in using mathematical/statistical approaches to solve biological problems; experience in integrating metabolomics with other –omics datasets.
  • 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. NMR).

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter, explaining your motivation and suitability for this role and stating your current salary.

Should you have any queries relating to this role, or the experience required, please contact Dr James MacRae, Head of Metabolomics (james.macrae@crick.ac.uk).