The Role

We seek to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to undertake research in native ambient mass spectrometry. The ideal candidate will have expertise in at least one of the following: native mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry imaging or top-down mass spectrometry.

In this role, the PDRA will be responsible for developing tools for native ambient mass spectrometry, including nano-DESI and related techniques, and integration of NAMS with other structural biology techniques. The post holder will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for improved mass spectrometry imaging of intact proteins and their assemblies in tissue and advancing integrative spatial and structural biology. The project will be hosted in the new Rosalind Franklin Institute facilities at Harwell but will also involve working with investigators across the Franklin, collaborator laboratories and with member institutes.

Responsibilities

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will:

• Embrace the primary project of the role, namely developing new tools for native ambient mass spectrometry and integration with other structural biology tools.
• Develop the scientific scope of the project, formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual research, analyse 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.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• 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.

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all. Our job description sets out the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick.

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
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 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 national interdisciplinary research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We are dedicated to creating new disruptive technologies which will allow us to see the biological world in new ways, from picometre-scale atoms to centimetre-scale tumours. These technological advances will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease.

The Franklin operates from a purpose-built research facility on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus near Didcot, a unique community of government, academia and industry working to accelerate progress on key issues. The 700-acre campus is steeped in world-firsts, and technology and research are at the heart of everything Harwell does.

Our building houses both specialist laboratories, research scientists and operational staff within a state-of-the art facility designed to inspire our people in their work and create a welcoming hub for our collaborations and visitors. Our research values of adventure, novelty, engagement, and utility are drawn on and exemplified by the Franklin team through our collaborations with universities and industrial partners, both in the UK and internationally.

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!

How to apply:

To be considered for this role, please submit your application via our recruitment portal, with your CV and a cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Please note that whilst the role is a Postdoctoral Research level and requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £36,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 25th February 2025.

Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy