PDRA in Informatics for Mass Spectrometry (MSI)

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) 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. Turning mass spectrometry into a vital tool for analytical chemistry, structural biology, and clinical medicine by creating the only instruments capable of generating structures 'from atoms to animals'., You will:

• Embrace the primary project of the role, namely developing bioinformatic solutions for imaging and ion mobility mass spectrometry of biological samples.


• Collaborate with instrumentation experts at the Franklin to implement analytical pipelines for imaging and ion mobility challenges.


• Adapt to working across multi-modal instrumentation and collating multiomic and imaging data from diverse sources and scales.


• Develop the scientific scope of the project, formulate relevant research questions, conduct individual research, analysing detailed and complex qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, and generate original ideas by building on existing concepts.


• Publish research articles in leading academic journals.


• Present findings at national and international meetings/conferences.


• Take a formal or informal role (as required) in the supervision of research students, including recruitment, mentorship, and career development.


• Raise research funds through grant applications, and manage own area of a larger research budget.


• Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Franklin.


• Any other duties that come up in the normal running of the facility and that can be reasonably requested of the post-holder.
  
  We are seeking a highly experienced bioinformatics scientist with a PhD and expertise in analytical algorithm development, chemical and biological data processing pipelines, and scientific software. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems thinking, requirements engineering, and scientific leadership, coupled with significant experience in managing and leading R&D projects. The candidate should be able to develop data processing software for research, particularly for prototype or modified mass spectrometers.


In this role, the bioinformatics scientist will be responsible for leading and managing bioinformatics projects, developing bespoke data processing tools, and LabVIEW programming. The candidate will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, to develop innovative solutions and algorithms for improved data analysis in biomedical applications. The position requires exceptional analytical skills, a strong understanding of bioinformatics tools and databases, and the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights. The candidate should also demonstrate strong communication skills, as they will be liaising with stakeholders and providing strategic advice to the leadership team on all aspects of bioinformatics. The project will be hosted in the new Rosalind Franklin Institute facilities at Harwell but will also involve working with investigators across the Franklin, collaborator laboratories and with member institutes.

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.

The Franklin's underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

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


• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown


• Generous pension scheme (employer's contribution currently up to 18%)


• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)


• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories


• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels


• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas


• Cycle to Work Scheme


• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)


• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)


• Health Cash Plan


• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus


• Free on-site parking


• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff


Please note whilst the role is a Postdoctoral Research level and requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who are close to completion of their PhD/DPhil qualification, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £34,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification).