PDRA in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (10305)

The role

Full Time
3 Years Fixed-Term Contract
Closing Date 26/11/2023
Ref No 10305

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a national research centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

The Biological Mass Spectrometry Theme focuses on the development of new instrumentation for mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) allowing the visualisation of molecular distributions at subcellular level and the de-novo structure elucidation of chemical species detected by MSI techniques. The ultimate goal of the Theme is to understand the working mechanism of molecular interaction networks in health and disease and define novel diagnostic and prognostic targets for next generation healthcare.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate employed in this role will work to develop and test novel methodologies for quantitative 3D chemical imaging using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The project is based on the J105 3D Chemical Imager (Ionoptika Ltd). The Research Associate will also work with industrial and academic partners including Ionoptika Ltd, Prof. Nick Lockyer (University of Manchester), Prof. Mark Brouard, Prof. Claire Vallance (University of Oxford) and Prof. Ian Gilmore (National Physical Laboratory).

The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with other staff and students in presenting and publishing findings at scientific meetings and in the open literature, as well as contributing to the academic environment within the Institute.


Responsibilities

You will:

- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
- Write up research work for publication.
- Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
- Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
- Deal with routine communication using a range of media.
- Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
- Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.
- Communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
- Liaise with colleagues and students.
- Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
- Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
- Manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required.
- Work with colleagues on joint projects, as required.
- Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
- Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
- Use new research techniques and methods.
- Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
- Use creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
- Contribute to collaborative decision-making with colleagues in areas of research.
- Use research resources, laboratories, and workshops as appropriate.
- Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
- Balance with help the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines.
- Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.

In return we offer:

- 25 days holidays + site close for Christmas (in addition to your allowance and Bank Holidays)
- Hybrid working
- Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
- Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
- Bus pass discount scheme
- Access to employee discount platform via Perkbox (discounts/wellbeing/Employee Assistance/counselling)
- Occupational Health services
- Health cash plan
- Access to wellbeing resources through Thrive
- Subsidised on-site canteen
- Free on-site parking
- Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

Before submitting your application please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment at the bottom of this page.

About us: The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.

Location: The Franklin is based in Harwell Campus, UK’s innovation hub and well-established as one of the leading science and innovation campuses in Europe.

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we welcome applications from all around the world!

Closing date: Sunday 26th November 2023