Research Associate in Chemical Proteomics (10391)

Rosalind Franklin Institute

As a Research Associate in Chemical Proteomics at the Franklin, you will bring scientific knowledge and skills to deliver a specific research project and/or you will bring independent, creative science, or specific skills to a team delivering a project or program. Through this work, you will build scientific independence, develop new science and leadership skills, and establish a growing reputation externally.

In particular, you will be responsible for developing new MS methodologies to investigate complex proteomes with high sensitivity and precision. You will work alongside researchers to apply these methods to answer questions across complex biological samples (e.g. cells, organoid, tissue). Whilst this position is primarily research focussed, you will also work closely with the Franklin proteomics core facility to help maintain equipment, reagents, potential sample sources, and help demonstrate newly developed technologies.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Associate you will: 

• Carry out analytical procedures that are applied for proteome characterisation to a high degree of precision, including sample preparation.
• Analyse and interpret quantitative proteomic data with a degree of statistical rigour using common freely available software packages. 
• Help to devise then create proteomic methodologies (sample preparation, liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry) to address specific biological questions.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques.
• Assist with general laboratory maintenance including the troubleshooting and upkeep of nanoLCs, centrifugal evaporators, liquid handlers, and various MS equipment.
• Help devise methods (with others at the Franklin) for supporting an increasingly diverse set of sample sources including those from cell lines, cell samples, tissue samples and organoids.
• Work alongside the proteomics facility to ensure upkeep of nanoLCs, centrifugal evaporators, liquid handlers and various other MS equipment.
• Help liaise with the laboratory support and service staff, engineers, and scheduling servicing. This will include essential day-to-day maintenance, troubleshooting and minor servicing to ensure continuous operation.
• Enhance your research through collaboration with other researchers and make active contributions to exchanging of ideas through your own network.
• Work within a larger project team, contributing to Institute wide projects around key Franklin Challenges.
• Work together with the surrounding facilities to ensure efficient methods at the Franklin and Harwell environment.
• Publish research articles in leading academic journals.
• Present findings at national and international meetings/conferences.
• Support and develop others including day-to-day supervision of students or visitors in areas related to your research.
• Participate in and support the public engagement and widening access activities of the Franklin.
• Carry out any other duties that come up in the normal running of the facility and that can be reasonably requested of the post-holder. 

Before submitting your application, please ensure you read the Job Information Pack for full details of this role.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you did not tick. 

Whilst the role requires candidates to hold a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent), we may consider candidates who have submitted their PhD/DPhil thesis, in which case the initial appointment will be made at £37,500 per annum (to be increased on completion of the PhD/DPhil qualification). 

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it. For further information, view our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially. 

At the Rosalind Franklin Institute we also welcome applications from all around the world!

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter (via the 'Apply' button above) explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience. 

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 29th March 2026.