Job Description

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) 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 ion source and atmospheric interface design and the design of associated laser optics. The envisioned instrument will have atmospheric pressure/ambient imaging module using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), AP-laser desorption ionization (AP-LDI) and combination thereof. In addition to the primary desorption ionization methods, the ion source will feature low-temperature plasma and excimer lamp post-ionization capabilities. The atmospheric interface will comprise a heated metal capillary, an impact declustering surface and a ring electrode ion guide element (\xe2\x80\x9cion funnel\xe2\x80\x9d). The postholder\xe2\x80\x99s primary focus will be the implementation of mid-infrared, femtosecond-picosecond resonant frequency laser desorption capability in addition to the modalities listed above. The actual work includes the construction of laser source, modalities for post-desorption ionisation and collecting the ions at atmospheric pressure for mass analysis.

The project will be hosted by the Rosalind Franklin Institute facilities at Harwell but will involve strong collaborative activities with Dr Robbie Murray\xe2\x80\x99s research group at Imperial. The project will also involve extensive collaboration with scientists at the National Physical Laboratories (NPL) and Bruker Corporation. The post reports to the Franklin\'s Theme Lead for Biological Mass Spectrometry, Professor Zoltan Takats and will also work with MS leads of the Franklin\xe2\x80\x99s Member Institutions.

Responsibilities

You will:

• Embrace the primary project of the role, namely developing the envisaged resonant infrared laser and associated ion source setup.
• Collaborate with the mass spectrometer manufacturers regarding the atmospheric interface 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 at the Franklin and at the manufacturers to develop a robustly engineered instrument control platform that allows the seamless integration of MSI into the main instrument control environment.
• Work with MS experts and structural biologists from the Member Institutions and broader UK user community to understand the broader context of the application.
• 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 + site close for Christmas (in addition to your allowance)
• Hybrid working
• Generous pension scheme (employer\xe2\x80\x99s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme
• Access to employee discount platform via Perkbox (discounts/wellbeing/Employee Assistance/counselling)
• Occupational Health services
• Health cash plan
• Access to wellbeing resources through Thrive
• Subsidised on-site canteen
• 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\xe2\x80\x99s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

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

Closing date: Wednesday 4th October 2023

Applicants should refer to our

Area

Scientific

Location

Harwell

Type of Post

Full Time

Period of appointment

3 years fixed-term contract

Salary

\xc2\xa335,500 - \xc2\xa343,500 pa (depending on experience)

Closing Date

04/10/2023

Ref No

10302

Documents

(PDF, 625.93kb)

Rosalind Franklin Institute