Research Associate in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

About the role

The Rosalind Franklin Institute is seeking a Research Associate to advance secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) technologies for high‑resolution chemical imaging of tissues. You will work with cutting‑edge instrumentation to develop new modalities that deliver sub‑cellular spatial resolution and comprehensive molecular information.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise new SIMS modalities for enhanced sensitivity and spatial resolution.
• Collaborate with biological and mass‑spectrometry experts to tailor MSI conditions for specific scientific challenges.
• Integrate multi‑modal instrumentation and collate multi‑omic and imaging data from diverse sources.
• Investigate and apply cutting‑edge instrumentation to address key challenges such as sensitivity and resolution.
• Design, model and construct novel imaging modalities for sub‑cellular chemical analysis.
• Plan, execute and analyse experiments, delivering research reports, patent applications and scientific publications.
• Contribute to project teams focused on the Institute’s Technology Innovation and Life Science challenges.
• Supervise and mentor students or visitors, supporting their development in related research activities.

Required profile

• Strong scientific knowledge and practical skills to deliver independent research projects.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and ability to communicate results effectively.
• Demonstrated progression towards scientific independence, including supervision of junior researchers.

Required skills

• Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) techniques.
• Mass spectrometry instrumentation development.
• Multi‑omic and imaging data integration and analysis.
• Experimental design and quantitative data interpretation.