Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mass Spectrometry-based Metabolomics and Lipidomics for the LITE Cohort(Redeployees Only)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics and Lipidomics. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the laboratory and mass spectrometry component of the Manchester LITE sebum biomarker project, within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Lead receipt, logging, storage, chain-of-custody and laboratory tracking of skin swab and gauze samples, working with technical staff and international sample hubs.
• Develop, optimise, document and apply extraction procedures for sebum-rich swabs and volatile samples, with attention to throughput, recovery, stability and contamination control.
• Plan and conduct LC-MS-based untargeted lipidomics and metabolomics analyses, including chromatography, accurate-mass MS, MS/MS and appropriate use of ion mobility where valuable.
• Plan and conduct TD-GC-MS analysis of volatile compounds from gauze samples.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Hold, or expect to hold shortly, a PhD in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, lipidomics, chemical biology, biochemistry, biomedical science or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial practical experience of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, lipidomics or small-molecule profiling.
• Hands-on experience of LC-MS and tandem MS for untargeted and/or targeted analysis.
• Experience developing or optimising sample-preparation methods for biological matrices.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of TD-GC-MS, thermal desorption, headspace analysis or volatile organic compound profiling.
• Experience of ion mobility mass spectrometry and/or structural lipidomics.
• Experience developing MRM, PRM or other targeted quantitative MS assays.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension

• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure

• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Perdita Barran

Email: perdita.barran@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.