Mass Spectrometry Analyst

Job description

The London Metallomics Facility (LMF) is a core research facility at King’s College London, providing the analytical tools to understand the critical roles that metals play in biology. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative, self-motivated and solution orientated individual to play an active role in the development of our unique centre. The role will focus on correlative bioimaging method development and providing top notch analytical service and user support to our research scientists within King’s College London as well as external universities and organisations. We are looking for candidates with analytical experience specifically in ICP-MS, who are proactive, organised, efficient and detailed oriented in their work, and keen to engage and support our user base. As Metallomics is inherently cross-disciplinary, additional experience in biological tissue/cell preparation, imaging and/or biomedical research would be highly valued. 

The LMF is committed to providing the knowledge and analytical tools required for elemental quantification, localisation, and speciation in biological and environmental systems. To provide such services, a range of complementary techniques are required with the corresponding expertise to provide users with guidance on the most appropriate sample preparation protocols, the best quality data, and support with analytical interpretation. 

This post will be offered on a 6-month fixed term contract. 

This is a full-time post.

Key responsibilities

• Provide and oversee a comprehensive user support pipeline (initial consultation & sample preparation advice/support, method development, image analysis, final user report, post report consultation).  
• Maintain current instrumentation (ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, TXRF, microwave sample digester), perform troubleshooting to assess plausibility of in-house repairs, and contact manufacturers when appropriate to resolve any technical problems.   
• Take responsibility for managing and ordering facility consumables. 
• Demonstrate use of equipment to students within the context of courses/practicals as well as to external individuals for company demos when required. 
• Provide Health and Safety training and inductions to new and existing lab users. Liaise with the RMID Health and Safety Manager and KCL Health and Safety Services for advice and support. 
• Write, update, and keep track of risk assessments, standard operating procedures, HTA logs and any other relevant H&S documentation. Support the Facility Manager on organising and participating on H&S and HTA audits. 
• Drive sustainability in the LMF by maintaining and improving existing sustainable practices. Be active in looking for new sustainable schemes and ways of reducing materials consumption and improve energy efficiency in the lab. 

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential Criteria

1. A BSc in a chemical discipline (analytical, inorganic, physical), or equivalent experience. 
2. Technical knowledge of ICP-MS (additional training will be given if required). 
3. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail for managing parallel workflows in a dynamic lab environment hosting a wide range of projects. 
4. Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, engaging with users to advise on appropriate protocols and explain analyses and results. 
5. Proactive approach and aptitude for working independently to seek out resolutions and develop creative collaborative approaches to solve problems. 
6. Innate curiosity in applications of analytical chemistry in biology. 
7. Ability to concentrate and excel under pressure and deadlines. 
8. A knowledge of health and safety procedures and its implementation in the workplace/laboratory environment. 
9. Enthusiastic, responsible, flexible, and solution oriented seeing opportunities where others see obstacles.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience in environmental and biological sample preparation. 
2. Experience in writing risk assessments/SOPs. 
3. Experience and/or interest in imaging software & analysis.  
4. Experience working in a service-driven facility environment. 

Personal Competencies

• Communicate and work with the LMF manager, academic staff, post-doctoral research staff, and students to understand the context of each project and provide best possible results.
• Demonstrate independent initiative with particular importance on attention to detail with the ability to work unsupervised on a day-to-day basis.
• Willingness to network with staff in the other KCL core facilities within the context of collaborative work.
• Ability to concentrate and excel under pressure and deadlines.
• Attention to safety requirements (PPE, knowledge of appropriate control measures and SOPs involving heavy equipment, laser safety, and handling of gas cylinders and potentially hazardous chemicals).