Research Fellow in Mass Spectrometry - School of Biosciences - 104310 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Birmingham is seeking a skilled Research Fellow in Mass Spectrometry. The successful candidate will contribute to groundbreaking research under a Wellcome-funded project, developing innovative methods in mass spectrometry. Required qualifications include a PhD in Mass Spectrometry and significant research experience in techniques like native mass spectrometry. This full-time position is offered on a fixed-term contract until November 2028, with a competitive salary range of £36,636 to £46,049.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mass Spectrometry or near to completion required.
• Experience in methods such as native mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging is essential.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for projects.
• Analyse and interpret research data.
• Disseminate findings for publication and presentations.
• Supervise and guide PhD students in research.

Skills

Experience in native mass spectrometry

Top-down mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry imaging

High level analytical capability

Clear communication

Education

PhD in Mass Spectrometry

BSc in Chemistry or related area

Job description

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2028

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the Wellcome‑funded research project (“Transforming spatial and structural biology: Native ambient mass spectrometry”; 305669/Z/23/Z).

We seek to recruit a postdoctoral Research Fellow in Mass Spectrometry to undertake research as part of the Wellcome‑funded project “Transforming spatial and structural biology: Native ambient mass spectrometry”. The postholder will undertake research in ambient mass spectrometry (including nano‑DESI and LESA), top‑down mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging of proteins and their assemblies.

The postholder will have a BSc in Chemistry or related area and a PhD in Mass Spectrometry and should have hands‑on experience of at least one of the following: ambient surface mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry imaging, native mass spectrometry, peptide and protein analysis, ion mobility mass spectrometry.

Further information about research in the Cooper laboratory can be found at https://www.biosciences-labs.bham.ac.uk/cooper/index.php

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of mass spectrometry
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin‑out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some, but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research‑related activities and research‑related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data through a variety of research methods, as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in Chemistry or related area and a PhD in mass spectrometry (or near to completion)
• Experience in native mass spectrometry, top‑down mass spectrometry or mass spectrometry imaging
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co‑ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Prof Helen Cooper, email: [e-mail]

Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Sustainability

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.