Post Doctoral Research Associate in Clinical Mass Spectrometry

About Us

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical mass spectrometry, developing and applying targeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods in collaboration with Waters Corporation. Based at Guy’s Hospital, you will contribute to translational research that bridges analytical chemistry, medicine, and biology.

About the role

Mass spectrometry-based omics is transforming translational medicine by enabling precise, multiplexed detection of biomarkers across lipids, metabolites, and proteins — offering unprecedented insight into disease mechanisms, therapeutic response, and patient stratification. As clinical diagnostics move toward more personalised and preventative models, it is increasingly vital that sampling approaches are minimally invasive and patient friendly. This role contributes to the development of pain-free biofluid sampling methods, such as saliva, dried blood spots, and fingerprints, helping to make advanced molecular testing more accessible and acceptable in real-world healthcare settings. 

We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our vibrant mass spectrometry team at Guy’s Hospital, King’s College London. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical mass spectrometry, developing and applying targeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods in collaboration with mass spectrometry vendor Waters Corporation. 

You will:

• Develop new methods to analyse drugs, metabolites, and lipids in biofluids such as saliva, serum, dried blood spots, and fingerprints
• Apply these methods to clinical samples derived from King’s biobanks and collaborators
• Perform statistical analyses to identify biomarkers of clinical relevance
• Publish your findings and present at national and international conferences
• Support the team’s visibility through case studies and outreach
• Contribute to grant applications and mentor PhD and project students

You will work closely with the SEISMIC Facility, the UK’s national hub for spatially resolved single- and sub-cellular omics, and the Smart Trials Hub, which is pioneering patient-centric sampling and digital health integration. 

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 24 months. 

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: 

Essential criteria

• PhD qualified in relevant subject area *
• Experience in analytical science
• Experience in mass spectrometry
• Experience of presenting research in oral and poster presentations
• Track record of peer reviewed publications

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.  

Desirable criteria

• Expertise in targeted metabolomics
• Expertise in targeted mass spectrometry
• Expertise in biofluid analysis 

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