Senior/Principal Laboratory Research Scientist: Metabolomics & Lipidomics Specialist

Job Title: Senior/Principal Laboratory Research Scientist: Metabolomics & Lipidomics Specialist

Details of the role: Permanent, full-time. Working pattern: Monday - Friday.

Salary: SLRS level from £45,700 per annum plus benefits. PLRS level from £55,555 per annum plus benefits. The role is advertised as a Senior / Principal Laboratory Research Scientist; the appropriate level will be assigned to the successful candidate subject to skills and experience.

Application closing date: 23/05/:59 GMT

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe's largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We've removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to collaborate and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

This role in the Metabolomics Scientific Technology Platform (STP) will cover both targeted and discovery metabolomics in the context of biological research. The post provides a unique opportunity to work with cutting edge metabolomics techniques and to become deeply involved in the diverse biological research across the Crick.

Key elements of the role will include LC-MS based metabolomics and lipidomics, including independent operation of the state-of-the-art LC-MS instrumentation (most notably Thermo Orbitrap and Agilent triple quadrupole instruments), along with GC-MS studies, too. The role will offer an opportunity to be involved in a broad range of research topics from clinical cohort discovery studies to metabolic pathway activity analysis of in vitro models. Analytical chemistry techniques used in the lab are equally wide-ranging, from intricate stable isotope labelling studies, to drug mode of action studies.

The post holder will drive projects in collaboration with Crick research groups and will be expected to take projects from initial concept and design, through metabolite extraction and sample preparation, and onto data acquisition and analysis.

Innovation - including development and implementation of new methods - is a central remit of the STP; the post holder will be required to identify areas of need and lead method development accordingly.

What you will be doing

As an S/PLRS at the Crick, you will:

• Metabolomics, lipidomics, and mass spectrometry operations (40%). Efficient operation and maintenance of mass spectrometers - particularly liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), but also gas chromatography-MS (GC-MS). Effective performance and development of in house-established metabolomics procedures, including generation and extraction of metabolomics/lipidomics samples and data acquisition. This includes experimental design, implementation of stable isotope labelling techniques, and development of novel mass spectrometry techniques, as appropriate.
• Data analysis (35%). Effectively use data analysis software to process raw mass spectrometry data and analyse both targeted and large-scale metabolomics datasets, including statistical analysis (i.e. univariate and multivariate analyses); this will include stable isotope labelling, feature identification, and production of processed, analysed MS data in a format appropriate for presentation and publication.
• Training (15%). The post holder will be responsible for training other Crick researchers in the operation of the LC-MS & GC-MS instrumentation. This will include training in sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Laboratory management (10%). The post holder will be responsible for successful day to day operation of the laboratory, with roles including maintenance of safety standards, purchasing, and general organisation, among others.

About you

The essential criteria you will bring

• Ph.D. or equivalent, in Metabolomics, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, or other relevant, related discipline.
• Evidence of significant experience in metabolomics (including lipidomics).
• Evidence of significant experience in operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of hyphenated-mass spectrometry (in particular, LC-MS & GC-MS).
• Experience in performance of metabolomics/lipidomics experiments (including experimental design, metabolite extraction, sample preparation, data acquisition, and method development). Stable isotope labelling experience is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience in mass spectrometry and metabolomics/lipidomics data analysis and statistics (including targeted and profiling approaches, and concepts such as univariate and multivariate analyses, power calculations, and significance) and use of data analysis software and workflow packages.
• Knowledge of experimental design and metabolomics procedures in the context of large cohort studies.
• Ability to work with day-to-day independence with good oral and written communication skills.
• Open and interactive with line manager, laboratory colleagues, and peers.
• Organisational and time-management skills to be able to perform to strict deadlines.

To see the complete job description, click here .

To learn more about Metabolomics click here .

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick's mission and shaping our culture:

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We're not afraid to do things differently.
• We are open. We're highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and you will be asked as part of the process if you wish to apply under the scheme. We will make reasonable adjustments if you need them. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email:

To find out more about life at the Crick click here .

What will you receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK.

Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

Health & Well-being:

• 24/7 GP consultation services.
• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.
• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

Work-Life Balance:

• Back-up care for dependents.
• Childcare support allowance.
• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups' support, community and inclusive social events.

Perks:

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts.
• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure based on skills and experience.