Lead Researcher, Metallomics - LGC National Laboratories

ABOUT LGC NATIONAL LABORATORIES:

LGC’s National Laboratories deliver a range of expert science functions and services in partnership with the UK Government, business, healthcare, and academia. We manage and operate several national laboratories on behalf of government agencies, such as the UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML), MHRA Laboratories Team and National Reference Laboratories, as well as hosting the unique function of the ‘Government Chemist’.

As home to many world-leading scientists, LGC’s National Laboratories provide a wide range of expert analytical science services and subject matter expertise to a broad spectrum of customers, stakeholders, and global forums. In addition, we undertake contract research and development projects for a range of customers in both the public and private sectors. Our work addresses fundamental and emerging measurement challenges, helping to foster innovation and promoting productivity and economic growth.

In regards to the location of the role, you will initially be based at the Teddington site. However, the Company is planning to permanently relocate its National Laboratories, Teddington operations to The Priestley Centre, Surrey Research Park, Guildford around Autumn 2024. Therefore, please consider this when applying for this role.

The Inorganic Analysis team work on a range of national and international research projects developing reference methodology and high accuracy calibration and measurement services and best practice in support of LGC’s role as the NML. In addition, the team undertakes contract research and development projects for a range of customers in both the public and private sectors. The team is equipped with a wide range of mass spectrometric techniques for applications in elemental analysis, nanomaterials characterisation, organo-metallic speciation, isotope ratio measurements and solid sampling and imaging applications. The instrumentation includes particle tracking analysis, multi-angle dynamic and static light scattering, elemental analyser-IRMS, ESI MS/MS and ICP-MS (single and triple quadrupole, magnetic sector, time-of-flight and multi-collector) coupled to LC, GC, asymmetrical flow field-flow-fractionation (AF4), gravitational field-flow-fractionation and laser ablation.

The job holder will supervise and deliver project work in the area of bio-clinical speciation analysis, initially focusing on the development of methodology for the accurate quantification and identification of key biomarkers of metal metabolism/disorders (e.g. metalloproteins) for disease diagnostics and therapy, down to the single cell level. Also, the elucidation of protein-nanoparticle interactions of novel nanotherapeutics. This will require the use of element-specific detection and ESI MS/MS in combination with separation techniques, novel sample preparation and fractionation methods and work with isotopically enriched species and small bio-clinical samples.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-day planning and leadership of the bio-clinical speciation/metallomics research and development work
• Liaison with Project Managers, Principal Scientist and research collaborators to ensure that speciation/metallomics project work is delivered according to agreed specifications for quality, time and budget
• Technical supervision and mentoring of staff delivering bio-clinical speciation/metallomics research and development project work
• Preparation of reports and scientific publications with minimal input from Principal Scientist
• Presentation of work at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Development and coordination of project work within International Metrology Programmes
• Perform and lead on analysis as part of our reference measurement services for internal and external clients (e.g. for reference material production, inter-comparison studies and contract analysis).

Ideally, the successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent experience in the use of hyphenated ICP-MS.

Knowledge, Experience and Technical Skills

• Enthusiastic and innovative scientist with a strong desire to develop their own technical skill set and support the development and delivery of the team’s research portfolio.
• Demonstrable experience and understanding in the use an application of a range of techniques and sample preparation methods used for bio-clinical speciation analysis
• Experience on HPLC-ICP-MS for the analysis of bio-clinical species
• Metrology background with regards to method validation, measurement uncertainty calculation (highly desirable)
• Combined use of HPLC-ICP-MS with ES MS/MS for species identification (highly desirable)
• Hyphenated field-flow-fractionation (desirable)
• Strategies for single cell analysis (desirable)
• Experience with imaging techniques (desirable)
• Self-reliant and self-motivated but team player
• Ability to display good organisation and communication skills, both oral and written
• An appreciation of the importance of working within a quality system and knowledge of good laboratory practice
• Ability to deliver work within timescale & budget
• Methodical approach to work
• Excellent attention to detail

ABOUT LGC:

LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range. 

OUR VALUES

• PASSION
• CURIOSITY 
• INTEGRITY
• BRILLIANCE
• RESPECT

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

For more information about LGC, please visit our website

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