Postdoctoral Research Associate in Single Cell Lipidomics and Metabolomics

KINGS COLLEGE LONDON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop methods in clinical mass spectrometry. You will analyze biofluids and collaborate on translational research with Waters Corporation, contributing to advancements in personalized healthcare. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD, possess experience in analytical science and mass spectrometry, and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. This full-time position is based at Guy’s Hospital with a salary range of £45,031 - £47,379 per annum.

Qualifications

• PhD qualified in analytical science or related disciplines.
• Experience in presenting research and peer-reviewed publications.
• Familiarity with targeted metabolomics and biofluid analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods for analyzing drugs and metabolites in biological samples.
• Collaborate with clinical teams on translational research.
• Contribute to grant applications and mentor students.

Skills

Analytical science

Mass spectrometry

Method development

Peer-reviewed publications

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in relevant subject area

Job description

Offer Description

About Us

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical mass spectrometry, developing and applying targeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods in collaboration with Waters Corporation. Based at Guy’s Hospital, you will contribute to translational research that bridges analytical chemistry, medicine, and biology.

Mass spectrometry-based omics is transforming translational medicine by enabling precise, multiplexed detection of biomarkers across lipids, metabolites, and proteins — offering unprecedented insight into disease mechanisms, therapeutic response, and patient stratification. As clinical diagnostics move toward more personalised and preventative models, it is increasingly vital that sampling approaches are minimally invasive and patient friendly. This role contributes to the development of pain‑free biofluid sampling methods, such as saliva, dried blood spots, and fingerprints, helping to make advanced molecular testing more accessible and acceptable in real‑world healthcare settings.

About You

We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our vibrant mass spectrometry team at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical mass spectrometry, developing and applying targeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods in collaboration with mass spectrometry vendor Waters Corporation.

You will develop new methods to analyse drugs, metabolites, and lipids in biofluids such as saliva, serum, dried blood spots, and fingerprints; apply these methods to clinical samples derived from King’s biobanks and collaborators; perform statistical analyses to identify biomarkers of clinical relevance and publish your findings and present at national and international conferences. You will support the team’s visibility through case studies and outreach and contribute to grant applications and mentor PhD and project students.

In this role you will work closely with the SEISMIC Facility, the UK’s national hub for spatially resolved single‑ and sub‑cellular omics, and the Smart Trials Hub, which is pioneering patient‑centric sampling and digital health integration.

We’re looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across disciplines and expertise in metabolomics, targeted MS, or biofluid analysis.

You will be offered a full time contract (35 hours per week) and will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/27.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• PhD qualified in relevant subject area *
• Experience in analytical science
• Experience in mass spectrometry
• Experience of presenting research in oral and poster presentations
• Track record of peer reviewed publications

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

• Expertise in targeted metabolomics
• Expertise in targeted mass spectrometry
• Expertise in biofluid analysis

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit ’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held in December.

This post is subject to Occupational Health clearances.

Grade and Salary: £45,031 - £47,379 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 131287

Close Date: 04-Dec-2025

Contact Person: Melanie Bailey

Contact Details: [e-mail]