PDRA in Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry (10309)

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology. The Biological Mass Spectrometry theme focuses on the development of new instrumentation for mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) allowing the visualisation of molecular distributions at subcellular level and the de-novo structure elucidation of chemical species detected by MSI techniques. The ultimate goal of the Theme is to understand the working mechanism of molecular interaction networks in health and disease and define novel diagnostic and prognostic targets for next generation healthcare.

The project will focus on the development of a novel atmospheric pressure ion sources for high-sensitivity and high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging of biological samples. This will potentially include desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), nano-DESI and laser desorption ionization (LDI). In addition to these primary desorption ionization methods, the ion source will incorporate various post-ionisation modules including, but not limited to, photo-ionisation, solvent-assisted heated impactor, and low-temperature plasma. A suitable stage and atmospheric interface will be designed to efficiently transport generated ions into the mass spectrometer and allow for coupling to Bruker, Thermo and Waters MS instrumentation.

The project will be hosted in the new Rosalind Franklin Institute facilities at Harwell but will also involve working with collaborator laboratories at Imperial College London. The post reports to the Franklin’s Theme Leads for Biological Mass Spectrometry and will also work with MS leads of the Franklin Member Institutions.

While this is a post-doctoral research associate role, we may be able to consider senior post-doctoral research associates, depending on their skills and experience.

Responsibilities
You will:

> Embrace the primary project of the role, namely developing the envisaged atmospheric interface and ion source setup.
> Collaborate with industrial or academic partners regarding the instrument development and system integration aspects of the project.
> Collaborate with flow dynamics and laser physics experts at the Franklin and the member institutions to develop innovative solutions for the ion source.
> Work with software engineers in the Franklin and partner facility to develop a robustly engineered instrument control platform that allows the seamless integration of IMS into the main instrument control environment.
> Collaborate with experts across the Franklin and the broader UK user community to develop medical applications of the instrumentation.
> Develop the scientific scope of the project, formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual research, analysing detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and generate original ideas by building on existing concepts.
> Publish research articles in leading academic journals.
> Present findings at national and international meetings/conferences.
> Take a formal or informal role (as required) in the supervision of research students, including recruitment, mentorship, and career development.
> Raise research funds through grant applications, and manage own area of a larger research budget.
> Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Franklin.
> Any other duties that come up in the normal running of the facility and that can be reasonably requested of the post-holder.

In return we offer:

> 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
> Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
> Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
> Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
> Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
> Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
> Cycle to Work Scheme
> Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
> Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
> Health Cash Plan
> Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
> Free on-site parking
> Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please send a CV and cover letter through explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please including information about your education and work experience.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 2nd January 2024; however, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate.

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy.