Experimental Officer in Metabolomics

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Contract Type: Fixed Term up to January 2026

Summary of Role

The post has been created by an exciting collaboration between Phenome Centre Birmingham and the Horizon 2020 PrecisionTox consortium and will contribute to fulfilling their shared research objectives with a focus on applying mass spectrometry metabolomics to study human health and toxicology.

The post holder will be involved in the application of LC-MS metabolomics to multiple toxicological and human health-related projects in PCB, working with a team whose expertise spans analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, biostatistics, metabolic biochemistry, and toxicology.

The post will focus on applying high-throughput analytical methods, including advanced robotic sample preparation and state-of-the-art hybrid LC-MS metabolomics assays that combine untargeted analyses with targeted measurements of metabolic biomarkers. The metabolomics will be conducted under QA/QC within a CRO-like environment. Sample types routinely analysed include human cell lines, tissues, biofluids, and multiple model organism extracts (C. elegans, Drosophila, Zebrafish, D. magna, Xenopus). The post will involve scientific collaborations within and external to the University of Birmingham, including members of the PrecisionTox consortium. It will initially be for 2 years with potential for extension.

Main Duties

• Perform metabolomics and lipidomics analysis (metabolic phenotyping) by applying hybrid LC-MS(/MS) assays - combine untargeted and targeted analysis - to various biological sample types.
• Perform manual sample preparation methods using state-of-the-art Beckmann Coulter robotics platforms to maximise metabolite extraction while enabling high-throughput sample handling of low biomass samples.
• Maintain records of protocols and procedures applied during study planning, sample preparation, and LC-MS data acquisition – within a QA/QC environment. 
• Ensure optimal operation of PCB instrumentation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting problems.
• Potential to implement novel metabolic phenotyping methodologies to enhance the capabilities and capacity of the PCB.
• Work with the PCB team to achieve objectives and manage expectations of collaborators. 
• Support project management, from sample arrival to assisting with reports to collaborators.
• Contribute to the dissemination of high-quality studies in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and to the general public.

Person Specification

• First degree in chemistry/biochemistry (or equivalent field)
• Higher degree (Masters or PhD) in (bio)analytical chemistry or equivalent work-related experience (essential)
• Experience working in an industrial (e.g. CRO), government, or academic laboratory with a focus on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the analysis of small molecules. (essential)
• Hands-on skills in LC-MS, preferably with experience with Thermo Scientific instrumentation. (essential)
• Hands-on experience in sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
• Detailed knowledge of laboratory safety and QA/QC practices.

Informal enquires to Prof Mark Viant (m.viant@bham.ac.uk) and Dr Andrew Southam (a.d.southam@bham.ac.uk)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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