Research Associate in Metabolomics - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Verified Company

Birmingham, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Position Details
School of Biosciences

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Grade 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2026

Closing date: 28th November 2023

Please do note this role relates to in which due to business needs we will only be recruiting 1 vacancy between the two roles

Background

Over the past 7 years, Phenome Centre Birmingham (PCB) has built an international reputation specialising in toxicological and biomedical metabolomics to improve our mechanistic understanding of the effects of chemicals and disease on human health, and to identify predictive biomarkers.

The centre implements and delivers state-of-the-art metabolomics research services to academia, industry and government, both locally, nationally and internationally.

The PCB contributes significantly to the University of Birmingham's international reputation in metabolomics, enabling it to undertake high impact (inter)national projects that benefit the global population.

The 20 million Euro PrecisionTox project, led by the University of Birmingham and involving 15 European and US organisations, blends advanced molecular and computational approaches with law and economics to establish a new cost-effective testing paradigm for assessing the safety of chemicals.

The PrecisionTox project seeks to revolutionise toxicology, replace animal testing, and reduce uncertainty in chemical safety assessment.

Metabolomics lies at the heart of PrecisionTox, with the PCB providing all of the metabolic phenotyping capability for the world's largest comparative, multi-omics toxicological study.

Role Summary

Main Duties

Perform sample preparation methods, both manual and using stateofthe art Beckmann Coulter robotics platforms to maximise metabolite extraction while enabling highthroughput sample handling of low biomass samples.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of protocols and procedures applied during study planning, sample preparation, and LC-MS data acquisition all within a QA/QC environment.
Ensure optimal operation of PCB instrumentation, including routine maintenance and troubleshooting instrumental problems, to meet goals in a timely and efficient manner.
Work with the PCB scientific leads and business manager to achieve the objectives of the PCB and manage the expectations of collaborators.
Support rigorous and effective project planning and project management, from sample arrival through to assisting with reports to collaborators.
Contribute to the dissemination of highquality studies in peerreviewed journals, scientific conferences and to the general public.
Potential to provide training, where needed, in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry within the PCB and/or the School of Biosciences.
Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the analytical laboratory work.

Person Specification

First degree (or one near to completion) in chemistry/biochemistry (or equivalent field). (essential)
Higher degree (e.g., Masters) in (bio)analytical chemistry (or equivalent field), or equivalent workrelated experience. (essential)
Experience of working in an industrial (e.g. CRO), government or academic laboratory with a focus on liquid chromatographymass spectrometry for the analysis of small molecules. (essential)
Handson skills in LC-MS, preferably with experience with Thermo Scientific instrumentation. (essential)
Hands on experience of sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
Be highly organised with an attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and efficiently.
Detailed knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC practices.
Good intellectual reasoning.
Ability to assume responsibility. Excellent interpersonal skills for working within the large PCB team.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many 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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website **.