Research Fellow in Data Science and Analytical Chemistry

About the role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position fully funded by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). You will join a dynamic research team developing cutting-edge analytical and data science methodologies for bioanalytical chemistry applications, with a focus on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and low-molecular weight chemicals from biological and environmental matrices using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) for a period of up to 24 months. This work has significant potential for impact in understanding environmental-physiological interactions, biomarker discovery and metabolomics. We welcome applications from both data scientists and bioinformaticians prepared to support analytical measurements, or analytical scientists with a passion for chemometrics and experience in advanced statistical analysis.

Part of this work will involve the analysis of VOCs and low-molecular weight compounds in breath samples collected from two model study systems along the continuum of mammal diving abilities - elite freediving humans, and grey seals. Seals are among the most elite diving mammals with remarkable adaptations to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide exposure at levels that would cause serious harm to people. This work, at the cutting edge of ‘breathomics’ research, will generate metabolomic profiles of the two species to compare and contrast the rapid physiological responses to breath-hold diving.

Complementary research activities include the analysis of VOCs emitted from plants to understand optimal conditions for controlled environment agriculture (CEA). By tailoring ‘light recipes’, CEA can optimise plant growth, enhance photosynthesis and influence taste, colour, and nutritional content, offering opportunities for novel therapeutic discovery and providing commercial growers sustainable methods to meet increasing global food demand.

Responsibilities

• Apply machine learning techniques, statistical modelling, and chemometric methods to extract meaningful biological insights from multivariate data and complex GCxGC-TOFMS datasets.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members including analytical chemists, marine vertebrate physiologists, medical researchers, and agricultural scientists.
• Contribute to the preparation of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of findings at conferences.
• Support the operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation.

About You

You will:

• Hold a PhD in data science (bioinformatics), chemistry, statistics, biochemistry or a related discipline
• Have expertise in programming and quantitative data analysis, including machine learning in a software such as R/Python
• Have a developing ability to conduct individual research work, and to disseminate results
• Be able to plan and organise your own workload effectively and be able to work within an interdisciplinary team environment
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates with experience in analysing high-dimensional OMICs data are strongly encouraged to apply
• Have experience in chromatography and/or mass spectrometry would be advantageous.

For more information on School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact:
Michael Wilde, by email at michael.wilde@plymouth.ac.uk

Anticipated Interview Date: Monday 1 December 2025

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Monday 17 November 2025

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