Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

Reporting to: Head of Proteomics STP

Contract term: This is a full-time permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Overview

The Crick’s mission is discovery without boundaries. We want to understand more about how living things work to help improve treatment, diagnosis and prevention of human disease, and generate economic opportunities for the UK. In our institute more than 2,000 research staff and students use their knowledge and expertise to work across disciplines and explore biology at all levels, from molecules through cells to entire organisms. To ensure that Crick scientists can be productive at the highest level, the Crick uses a shared access approach to deliver high-end technology and expertise via a suite of core facilities known as Science Technology Platforms (STPs). The Crick STPs provide access to cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise across the range of applications necessary for modern biomedical research, including proteomics.

Summary

Do you have a keen interest in biological mass spectrometry and applying state-of-the-art proteomic technologies?

We have an opportunity for a talented, experienced, and motivated 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 wider Crick scientific community. This is a lab-based position, responsible for driving forward qualitative and quantitative proteomic and clinical proteomic projects, from experimental design through sample preparation to data analysis.

The Proteomics STP houses a broad range of mass spectrometers including a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid with FAIMS and ETD, Exploris 480, Q Exactive UHMR, Bruker timsTOF Ultra and Pro2, Waters Select Cyclic and SYNAPT G2Si HDMS. The role will involve setting up new experiments as collaborative 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. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will bring on board extensive knowledge of tandem mass tagging (TMT) and label free quantitative proteomic approaches, applying the methodology to discovery and translational research at the Crick. To be considered for this role the applicant must have hands-on experience of working in a proteomics mass spectrometry laboratory.

The Role

The role of a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in the Crick is diverse and rewarding. The role covers a wide range of different functions and allows for continuity of lab operations.

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, high pH chromatographic fractionation and label free quantification.

• LC-MS/MS nanoUHPLC data acquisition, evaluation, and processing of raw data.

• Communication of results in collaboration.

Other typical activities may include:

• Collaborating with other lab members on/Assisting other lab members with/ research projects.

• Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.

• Providing technical expertise/ input for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of novel methodologies.

• Participating in academic activities, including group meetings and journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings.

• Writing up findings for publication and completing revisions.

• Organisation and management of the laboratory, including maintaining laboratory databases, ordering of laboratory supplies, monitoring budgets, and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Training and supervising other lab members in key techniques and protocols, lab operations, and equipment use.

• Liaising with Science Operations and attending key quadrant meetings.

• Writing risk assessments and SOPs and providing safety guidance to lab members.

Experience and Competencies

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

Essential

• 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 Ultra/Pro2.

• Detailed understanding of proteomics related bioinformatics and associated software packages such as PEAKS, Mascot, Scaffold, MaxQuant, Spectronaut, DIA-NN and Skyline.

• Experience with developing, optimizing and applying next-generation proteomics and mass spectrometry methods such as DIA, DDA, label free profiling, TMT, PRM etc

• 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

• Experience working in a collaborator-facing laboratory (academia or industry).

• Set up and operation of automation and liquid handling for high throughput sample preparation techniques.

• Experience with proteome level post-translational modification analyses (e.g., phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation/methylation).

• Experience with maintaining nanoLC, Orbitrap or Q-TOF instrumentation.

• Basic understanding of biostatistics and computational programming.

• Publication record demonstrating contribution using proteomics and mass spectrometry applications or methodology.

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.

• All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion