Metabolomics Scientist LMS 1892

Open Date
06/07/2022, 13:20
Close Date
07/08/2022, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences
The London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) at Hammersmith Hospital is one of three directly funded MRC research institutes and enjoys close links with its partners at Imperial College London and at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Research at the LMS focuses on strengthening the basic science underpinning our understanding of human diseases and the translation of high quality research into a clinical setting. For a description of the Institute visit www.lms.mrc.ac.uk.
UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 4
London
£32,005 - £40,769 (plus London Allowances £3,727 + £1,402) dependent upon experience
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time
3 years

Overall purpose:

The London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) at Hammersmith Hospital is a core-funded MRC research institute and enjoys close links with its partners at Imperial College and at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The LMS's research focuses on strengthening the basic science underpinning our understanding of human diseases and the translation of such high quality research into a clinical setting. Within the LMS, the Mass Spectrometry facility works closely with research groups to meet the requirements in the areas of metabolomics and proteomics analysis. The facility currently houses seven mass spectrometry systems, and has plans to strengthen its technology base further.

Main duties / key responsibilities:

  • To develop metabolomics workflows and establish advanced analysis approaches
  • To maintain and operate both gas chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry instrumentation
  • To train and work collaboratively with scientists in the facility as well as researchers in MRC LMS research groups
  • To communicate and disseminate metabolomics analysis skills to postgraduates, research scientists and principal investigators
  • To assist with experimental design and ensure the validity and reliability of metabolomics experiments
  • To maintain accurate and complete records of analysis projects and the methods employed
  • To identify and develop suitable computational approaches for data analysis and visualisation
  • To identify and address infrastructure requirements for the facility with regards to instrumental analysis and bioinformatics challenges
  • To work with staff in the LMS Mass Spectrometry and Bioinformatics facilities in order to review and develop approaches for data processing, management and storage
  • To present and communicate methods and results to colleagues
  • To attend relevant workshops and conferences as required
  • To participate in facility meetings and internal seminars
  • To contribute to the smooth running of the LMS mass spectrometry facility
  • To comply with LMS safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate

 

Other Duties

  • To undertake appropriate administration tasks
  • To attend relevant meetings
  • To undertake any necessary training and/or professional development
  • Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the supervisor

Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application form):

Essential:

  • PhD in Analytical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline or alternatively equivalent professional experience

Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential:

  • Hands-on experience with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology and development of mass spectrometry-based assays
  • Proficiency in the acquisition and analysis of high throughput ‘omics data’ or show clear potential to develop and apply the required skills for the analysis of such data
  • Experience in the use of bioinformatics tools and approaches for the analysis of large, complex data sets
  • Ability to communicate well, train scientists and disseminate skills and expertise
  • Track record of contribution to peer reviewed publications

 

Desirable:

  • Hands-on experience with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology and development of mass spectrometry-based assays
  • Experience of developing targeted and untargeted metabolomics workflows
  • Experience of working with metabolomics data analysis packages (Progenesis QI, Compound Discoverer, MPP, VistaFlux and others)
  • Experience of programming using R
  • Previous experience of working with biological and clinical samples
  • Experience of working with biological and biomedical scientists in a collaborative fashion
  • Previous experience of managing other research staff
  • Experience of MS-imaging approaches

Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed from application form and at interview):

Essential

  • Willingness to work closely with colleagues and line manager to develop solutions to the requirements of scientists within the institute
  • Willingness to develop and implement advance state-of-the-art metabolomics techniques
  • High level of motivation and drive
  • Willingness to share knowledge and skills with other members of the team on a daily basis.
  • Flexible attitude towards work
  • Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times
  • Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role
  • Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and attend conferences
Applicants should submit one CV, a brief cover letter describing motivation and scientific interests and names and contacts of minimum two scientific references
The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

This opportunity is closed to applications.