Research Associate in Chemical Proteomics (10397) in Harwell

The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a technology institute established by the UK Government as a unique centre committed to advancing tools that are needed to transform healthcare in the future. The Institute brings together researchers in life and physical sciences, and engineering, to develop a spectrum of tools which we will use to image, interpret and intervene in biological systems. These insights will speed up the discovery of new medicines, help find new diagnostics and contribute to a deeper understanding of human health and disease. Our Science Strategy seeks to focus the Franklin’s research and unite our researchers around our Technology Innovation Challenges and Life Science Challenges.

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.

• 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.

Qualifications

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).

Benefits

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Buying and Selling Annual Leave
• Workplace Nursery Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Hub building with state-of-the-art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

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!

Area: Scientific
Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire
Type of Post: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Period of appointment: Fixed-Term Contract (3 years)
Salary: From £38,500 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 25th May 2026.