Mass Spectrometry Technician in Oxford

Mass Spectrometry Technician in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ellison Institute of Technology

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct mass spectrometry analyses and support groundbreaking plant science research.
  • Company: Join the innovative Ellison Institute of Technology, tackling global challenges.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced holiday, private medical insurance, and more.
  • Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and access state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact in sustainable agriculture and climate change solutions.
  • Qualifications: BSc in chemistry or related field with mass spectrometry experience.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Description

Join us at EIT

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we’re on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact.

We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges in four transformative areas:

  • Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
  • Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
  • Climate Change & Managing CO₂
  • Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

This is ambitious work - work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

At EIT, you’ll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real-world breakthroughs.

Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society.

Explore more at www. eit. org .

Welcome to the Plant Biology Institute

The Plant Biology Institute, headed by Professor Steve Kelly, is a key part of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford.

The institute aims to develop impactful and commercially sustainable solutions for improving global food production and planetary health through pioneering plant science research.

The Plant Biology Institute will unite world-class researchers who are focused on expanding the frontiers of plant science.

Our research is focused on enhancing our ability to feed the planet while simultaneously improving the climate and ecosystem outcomes of food production.

By embedding cutting-edge plant science research within an organisation that is focused on solving global challenges at scale, we aim to accelerate the timeline from discovery to global impact.

Areas of exploration include

  • Improved plant productivity, both indoors and outside.
  • Reduced reliance on inputs including water, fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides.
  • Novel decarbonised plant-based production platforms for food and medicines.
  • Advanced technologies that speed up discovery and deployment in plants.

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and plant growth facilities and have opportunities to collaborate with experts at the forefront of research on AI, automation, and generative biology across the EIT ecosystem.

They will also work with global leaders in market development, commercialisation, and impact creation.

The Plant Biology Institute has long-term substantial funding to support the unique scale and ambition of its vision.

Your Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive

Mass Spectrometry Laboratory Technician to provide essential laboratory and experimental support for Mass Spectrometry in the Plant Biology Institute, with a particular focus on LC-MS and GC-MS workflows.

The technician will work closely with a Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Scientist, within a broader platform team that provides and continuously develops analytical infrastructure functionalities to researchers pursuing ambitious scientific goals.

This role involves hands-on responsibility for setting up and conducting mass spectrometry analyses in support of research priorities of the institute, as well as collaborating with researchers across EIT.

Furthermore, the post-holder will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of mass spectrometry facilities through routine maintenance, calibration, quality control and troubleshooting, and use appropriate protocols to process samples for analysis.

The ideal candidate will have experience performing these functions in a fast-moving environment, an interest in contributing to commercially sustainable solutions for real-life impact and be a detail-oriented problem solver.

This role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in high-impact research at the forefront of plant science, while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to innovation from lab to global impact.

Your Responsibilities

  • Perform high-quality GC-MS and LC-MS analyses, selecting and applying appropriate protocols for different sample types.
  • Process and prepare biological samples for mass spectrometry.
  • Acquire, process, manage, and analyse data from MS experiments, using specialised software, appropriate database queries, and bioinformatics tools.
  • Consult with researchers on experimental design, sample processing requirements, analytical approaches, and interpretation of mass spectrometry data.
  • Train users on LC-MS and GC-MS data acquisition and data analysis.
  • Perform routine instrument maintenance, calibration, quality control, and troubleshooting as needed.
  • Manage supplier relationships, such as organising and attending meetings with representatives or manufacturer engineers and coordinating necessary visits for maintenance and repairs.
  • Maintain accurate experimental records, instrument logs, and documentation in accordance with established SOPs.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory health and safety procedures and good laboratory practice.
  • Assist with inventory and stock management for mass spectrometry facilities.

Requirements

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience

  • BSc degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, or an equivalent discipline.
  • 3 years of experience in the operation, calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of mass spectrometry instrumentation.
  • Experience with the operation, calibration, and troubleshooting of chromatography systems.
  • Experience preparing and processing biological samples for chromatographic and mass spectrometry analyses.
  • Experience with data processing and interpretation using mass spectrometry software packages.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Specialist knowledge of GC-MS column selection and method optimisation appropriate to different analyte classes and sample types.
  • Experience with the operation and maintenance of a range of mass spectrometry instrument types.
  • Experience utilising R, MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data processing, analysis and visualisation.
  • Relevant experience in metabolomics, plant science, environmental analysis, forensic analysis, clinical research, or related fields.
  • Experience in targeted and untargeted data acquisition and data analysis, and familiarity with suitable methodological approaches and software for each respective case.
  • Commercial awareness and relevant work experience in an industry setting, biotech startup, or comparable environment.
  • Experience working within a core facility, shared instrumentation platform, or similar environment.
  • Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Benefits

Our Benefits

  • Salary dependent on experience + travel allowance + bonus
  • Enhanced holiday + options to buy additional days
  • Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • Income Protection
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Hospital Cash Plan
  • Therapy Services
  • Perk Box
  • Electric Car Scheme
  • Childcare benefit

Working Together – What It Involves

  • You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.

In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).

Mass Spectrometry Technician in Oxford employer: Ellison Institute of Technology

The Ellison Institute of Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oxford where innovation meets collaboration. As a Security Architect, you will not only contribute to cutting-edge research but also enjoy generous benefits such as enhanced holidays and a robust pension scheme, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to addressing global challenges.

Ellison Institute of Technology

Contact Details:

Ellison Institute of Technology Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Mass Spectrometry Technician in Oxford

Get Involved in Local Research Communities

Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!

Leverage University Alumni Networks

If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Ellison Institute of Technology. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!

Show Off Your Projects

Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Ellison Institute of Technology!

We think you need these skills to ace Mass Spectrometry Technician in Oxford

Mass Spectrometry
GC-MS
LC-MS
Sample Preparation
Data Analysis
Instrument Calibration
Troubleshooting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Ellison Institute of Technology that you have the hands-on skills they need.

Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Ellison Institute of Technology.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Ellison Institute of Technology does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.

Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology

Brush Up on Lab Techniques

Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Ellison Institute of Technology. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.

Know Your Bioinformatics Tools

Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.

Show Your Teamwork Skills

Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Ellison Institute of Technology's culture.

Research Recent Biotech Innovations

Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Ellison Institute of Technology. This shows your passion for the industry!