Research Assistant

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: until 31^st December 2027

The Opportunity

The Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh is seeking a motivated and highly organised Mass Spectrometry Research Assistant to support cutting-edge cancer research.

The successful applicant will contribute to projects investigating brain tumour biology, treatment resistance and therapeutic vulnerabilities, with a particular emphasis on proteomics-based approaches. Working closely with researchers across the IGC Mass Spectrometry facility and associated laboratories, the post holder will support sample preparation, proteomic workflows, data organisation and the smooth running of laboratory activities linked to mass spectrometry-based research.

This role would suit an enthusiastic scientist with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, proteomics or analytical laboratory techniques who wishes to develop specialist expertise in mass spectrometry and its application to cancer research. Training will be provided where appropriate, and the post offers excellent opportunities for professional development within a highly collaborative research environment.

The post is based on campus at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh. The IGC hosts more than 600 scientists, students and technical staff and provides access to a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including imaging, genomics, genome editing and disease-model platforms. The research environment at the IGC places strong emphasis on collaboration, mentorship, reproducibility and career development.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Vincenzo D’Angiolella - vdangio@ed.ac.uk  and Alex Von Kriegsheim - Alex.VonKriegsheim@ed.ac.uk, who will be happy to discuss the post further.

Key Responsibilities:

The post holder will:

• Support mass spectrometry-based proteomics projects across associated IGC laboratories.
• Consult colleagues and collaborators on experimental design and approaches to enable optimal data generation 
• Prepare biological samples for proteomic analysis, including protein extraction, quantification, digestion, peptide clean-up and related quality-control steps.
• Use and adapt established bioinformatic pipelines to analyse, quantify and interpret the experimental data.
• Support researchers using proteomic approaches to study brain tumour biology, treatment response and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, sample inventories and data-management systems.
• Contribute and develop reproducible and standardised workflows across multiple projects and research groups.
• Assist with ordering, stock management, reagent preparation and general laboratory organisation.

Your skills and attributes for success

• Motivation to apply mass spectrometry, proteomics and molecular biology techniques to important questions in cancer research.
• Experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical laboratory work or related experimental techniques.
• Familiarity with protein-based workflows, such as protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation or sample preparation for proteomics.
• Working knowledge of common scientific software, data handling tools and quantitative analysis packages is desirable.
• Previous experience with mass spectrometry, proteomics sample preparation, LC-MS/MS workflows or facility-based research support is desirable but not essential.

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