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View Vacancy -- Senior Metabolomics Scientist LMS 843
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 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.
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 Biological Mass Spectrometry facility works closely with research groups to meet the requirements in the areas of metabolomics and proteomics analysis. The facility currently houses four tandem 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 liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrumentation
- To train and work collaboratively with scientists in the facility as well as researchers in 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 the College, Division, and Unit 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:
Essential:
- PhD in Analytical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry or a related discipline
Knowledge and experience:
Essential:
- Hands-on experience with the maintenance and operation of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology.
- Previous experience of using of Orbitrap-based tandem mass spectrometers in the analysis of cellular metabolites
- Experience of development of targeted and untargeted metabolomics workflows
- Experience of development and optimisation of analytical methods in a facility setting
- Proficiency in the acquisition and analysis of high throughput metabolomics data
- Significant experience in the bioinformatics analysis of complex metabolomics data sets
- Ability to communicate well, train scientists and disseminate skills and expertise
- A track record of significant contribution to peer reviewed publications and experience of presentation of research results at conferences and meetings
Desirable:
- Experience of optimisation of analytical methods using factorial design
- Previous experience of working with cellular and biological samples
- Experience of working with biological and biomedical scientists in a collaborative fashion
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential:
- Willingness to work closely with colleagues and line manager to develop solutions to the requirements of scientists within the institute
- 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 time
- 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 a CV, a brief cover letter describing motivation and scientific interests and names and contacts of minimum two scientific references
Applications which do not provide a cover letter will not be considered.
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.