Technical Specialist – Metabolomics & Lipidomics Mass Spectrometry

Kings College London; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kings College London is seeking a highly skilled mass spectrometry specialist to join a multidisciplinary research team. The role focuses on Orbitrap MS and LC method development, data analysis of lipids and metabolites, and ensuring rigorous data quality and compliance with safety standards.

You will work independently to manage multiple projects while contributing to collaborative efforts and providing training to colleagues in MS & LC techniques.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent experience in a research setting.
• Experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry and LC equipment, including method development, sample prep and troubleshooting.
• Expertise in data analysis and interpretation of lipids and metabolites using Trace Finder, Lipid Search and Compound Discoverer.
• Experience with health & safety, quality and research integrity standards in lab settings, with strong data quality and reproducibility focus.
• Ability to present technical information clearly in reports, presentations and discussions for diverse audiences.
• Experience in multidisciplinary teams, building effective working relationships and contributing to shared objectives.
• Proven ability to manage workloads, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• Experience providing training and technical support in MS and LC techniques.

Responsibilities

• Communicate technical and scientific information clearly in reports and presentations.
• Work independently to manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Provide training and technical support in mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data quality and reproducibility.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared objectives.

Skills

Data analysis

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Training and support

Collaborative skills

Education

MSc in chemistry or life sciences

Tools

Orbitrap MS

Liquid chromatography

Trace Finder

Lipid Search

Compound Discoverer

Job description

About you

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

Essential criteria

1. MSc qualified in chemistry, life sciences or relevant subject area, or equivalent experience gained in a research setting.
2. Practical experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography equipment, including method development, sample preparation and troubleshooting.
3. Demonstrable expertise in data analysis and interpretation of lipids and metabolites using Trace Finder, Lipid Search and Compound Discoverer.
4. Experience working to health and safety, quality and research integrity standards within a laboratory or research environment, with a strong commitment to accurate record keeping, data quality, reproducibility and attention to detail.
5. Ability to communicate technical and scientific information clearly in written reports, presentations and discussions to a range of audiences (technical and non-technical).
6. Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary research teams, building positive and effective working relationships with colleagues, researchers and service users, and contributing to the successful delivery of shared objectives.
7. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage own workload effectively, and prioritise competing demands across multiple projects to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.
8. Experience providing training, guidance and technical support to colleagues or users in mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography techniques.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with automated sample preparation and robotic liquid handling.
2. Knowledge of advanced fragmentation methods (e.g. UVPD, ETD).
3. Experience with large clinical cohort studies.

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

At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance.

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.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

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