Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

Contract term: This is a permanent full-time position on Crick Terms and Conditions of Employment

Summary

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional research support and have experience implementing state-of-the-art biological mass spectrometry and proteomics technologies?

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in the Proteomics Scientific Technology Platform (STP) at the Francis Crick Institute. The post holder will help us provide a world class platform to contribute towards key research in collaboration with the Crick scientific community.  This is a lab-based position, responsible for driving forward projects, from experimental design through sample preparation to data analysis.

The Proteomics STP houses a broad range of state-of-the-art mass spectrometers including a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid with FAIMS and ETD, Bruker timsTOF Pro, Waters SYNAPT G2Si HDMS and Thermo Scientific Q Exactive UHMR.  The role will involve setting up new experiments as projects arise using the available mass spectrometry technologies to both qualitatively and quantitatively measure proteins. The successful candidate will be able to take initiative in project design and interact closely with collaborators, delivering results in a timely fashion.  To be considered for this role the applicant must have >3 years hands-on experience of working in a proteomics mass spectrometry laboratory.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Planning of experiments, decision making about which pipeline to take, and independently executing experiments for projects.
• Performing both standard and bespoke proteomics experiments starting with sample preparation from a variety of biological sources using common biochemical methodologies for cell lysis, SDS-PAGE, in-gel, in-solution, TCA and acetone precipitation digest protocols, TMT labelling and High pH chromatographic fractionation.
• LC-MS/MS nanoUHPLC data acquisition, evaluation, and processing of raw data.
• Communication of results to collaborators.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• A PhD or equivalent experience gained through working in a mass spectrometry laboratory, including basic and advanced proteomic sample handling and processing protocols, and familiarity with instrument maintenance requirements.
• Direct experience with either the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid platform or the Bruker timsTOF Pro.
• Familiarity with data analysis software such as Proteome Discoverer, PEAKS, Mascot, MaxQuant, Spectronaut and Skyline.
• Experience of independently organising and running projects.
• Excellent communication, record keeping, time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work confidently and independently, approaching research problems with initiative and flexibility.

Desirable

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Experience working in a customer-facing laboratory (academia or industry).
• Set up and operation of automation and liquid handling for high throughput sample preparation techniques.
• Experience with maintaining nanoLC, Orbitrap or Q-TOF instrumentation.
• Familiarity with a range of advanced proteomic workflows and techniques (SILAC, TMT, DIA, PTM enrichment etc).
• Publication record demonstrating contribution using proteomics and mass spectrometry applications or methodology.

For informal queries on the role please contact Dr J. Mark Skehel by email: skehelm@crick.ac.uk