Technical Specialist – Metabolomics & Lipidomics Mass Spectrometry

King's College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

King’s Smart Trials Hub (STH) at King’s College London seeks a Technical Specialist in metabolomics & lipidomics mass spectrometry. The role focuses on sample preparation, method development, and LC-MS/Orbitrap operations, delivering cutting-edge metabolomic research to academic and commercial partners.

Reporting to the STH manager, you will work with a multidisciplinary team on high-resolution MS analyses, maintain data quality, and contribute to multiple research programs on campus.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent experience in chemistry, life sciences or related field.
• Experience with Orbitrap MS and LC-MS method development.
• Experience with lipid/metabolite data analysis tools (Trace Finder, Lipid Search, Compound Discoverer).
• Experience aligning with health, safety, quality and research integrity standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample preparation and extraction for complex biological samples.
• Develop analytical methods for targeted and untargeted analyses.
• Operate high-resolution Orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers and LC-MS workflows.
• Analyze and interpret lipid and metabolite data; report findings to teams and customers.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality research outputs.

Skills

Orbitrap MS

LC-MS

Lipids data analysis

Trace Finder

Lipid Search

Compound Discoverer

Documentation

Collaboration

Education

MSc in chemistry or life sciences

Tools

Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry

LC equipment

Job description

About us

King’s Smart Trials Hub (STH) is a globally distinctive multi-omics centre, located at Guy’s Hospital Campus within Research Infrastructure, part of Research Management and Innovation Directorate at King’s College London. The Hub brings together state-of-the-art spatial and non-spatial ‘omics’ technologies to enable full molecular profiling of cells, tissues and liquid biopsies and leverages advanced, multi-modal technologies to investigate disease biology at high resolution, supporting the equitable development of personalised therapies.

About the role

We are seeking a Technical Specialist in metabolomics & lipidomics mass spectrometry to join the newly established Smart Trials Hub (STH) at King’s College London. The STH is a globally distinctive multi-omics centre within King’s Research Infrastructure department, based at the Guy’s Hospital campus. It leverages advanced, multi-modal technologies to investigate disease biology at high resolution, supporting the equitable development of personalised therapies.

The role holder will be part of an exciting, highly collaborative and inclusive team and deliver cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based metabolomic and lipidomic research. The role will focus on sample preparation and extraction from complex biological sample types, encompassing experimental design, analytical method development for targeted and untargeted analytes, LC-MS platform operation of high-resolution Orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers and computational data analysis methods. Reporting directly to the Smart Trials Hub manager, you will be required to work in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to deliver a research output of the highest standard to academic researchers and commercial customers, contributing to a wide range of research programmes.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract. This is an onsite, facility-based role and the post holder is expected to be on campus for the full working week.

About you

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

Essential criteria

• MSc qualified in chemistry, life sciences or relevant subject area, or equivalent experience gained in a research setting.
• Practical experience with Orbitrap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography equipment, including method development, sample preparation and troubleshooting
• Demonstrable expertise in data analysis and interpretation of lipids and metabolites using Trace Finder, Lipid Search and Compound Discoverer
• 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
• Ability to communicate technical and scientific information clearly in written reports, presentations and discussions to a range of audiences (technical and non-technical)
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage own workload effectively, and prioritise competing demands across multiple projects to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes
• Experience providing training, guidance and technical support to colleagues or users in mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography techniques

Desirable criteria

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

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. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

£39,076 to £43,909 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance