Metabolomics Scientist (LMS 2416)
Salary: £42,159 plus London Allowance £5,560 per annum
Fixed term until 31 March 2028 | Full time | Location: Hammersmith, London
Closing date 18 June 2026
Overall purpose:
The Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) at Hammersmith Hospital is a core-funded MRC research institute and enjoys close links with its partners at Imperial College and at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The LMS's research focuses on strengthening the basic science underpinning our understanding of human diseases and the translation of such high-quality research into a clinical setting. Within the LMS, the Metabolomics facility focuses on advanced collaborative requirements in metabolomics and lipidomics. The facility is actively expanding its high-resolution technology base through the onboarding of next-generation Orbitrap architectures and upcoming Tribid installations.
The post holder will act as a core Metabolomics specialist within the facility, taking independent technical ownership of high-end mass spectrometry platforms. They will work closely with researchers, taking the scientific lead on the metabolomics side of collaborative projects, ranging from experimental design through to final publication, both internally and with external collaborators.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
To lead the development of validation of metabolomics mass spectrometry based-workflows, with a focus on high-resolution platforms.
To take the scientific and technical lead on the metabolomics component of collaborative projects.
To operate and maintain liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems (Thermo Orbitrap Excedion Pro, IQ-X, Waters TQ-XS).
To establish, track, and review rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) metrics to ensure data accuracy and instrument stability.
To perform advanced hardware troubleshooting and coordinate directly with service engineers.
To train and work collaboratively with team members as well as researchers in MRC LMS research groups.
To disseminate skills and expertise by assisting collaborators with experimental design, sample extraction protocols, and data interpretation.
To develop and apply computational pipelines for complex data analysis (targeted and untargeted) and data visualization.
To contribute to peer-reviewed publications and maintain accurate, complete records of analysis projects and methods.
To present and communicate methods and results at facility meetings, workshops, and seminars.
To oversee facility consumables infrastructure and track system utilization metrics.
To comply with LMS safety practices and deliver safety training when appropriate.
Other Duties
To undertake appropriate administration tasks.
To attend relevant meetings.
To undertake any necessary training and/or professional development.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by the supervisor.
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equalities and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements
The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post holder and their manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
Person requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential:
PhD in Analytical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline or alternatively, equivalent professional experience
Knowledge and experience:
Essential:
Hands-on experience with LC-MS and development of metabolomics workflows on high-resolution platforms (such as Thermo Orbitrap Excedion Pro/IQ-X).
Hands-on experience with LC-triple quadrupole (such as Waters TQ-XS).
Proficiency in the acquisition and processing of metabolomics data including the implementation of rigorous data QA and QC tracking.
Ability to take the technical and scientific lead on the metabolomics component of collaborative research projects.
Experience of working with biological and biomedical scientists in a collaborative fashion from experimental design to data interpretation.
Previous experience of working with biological and clinical samples.
Ability to communicate well, train scientists and disseminate skills and expertise.
Track record of contribution to peer reviewed publications.
Desirable:
Experience of developing targeted and untargeted metabolomics workflows, including stable isotope labeling incorporation experiments.
Hands-on experience with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Experience of programming or script utilization (e.g., using R) for data analysis and visualization.
Previous experience of managing other research staff.
Experience of MS-imaging approaches.
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential
Willingness to work closely with colleagues and line manager to actively collaborate on complex biological questions and drive the scientific goals of researchers within the institute.
Willingness to develop and implement advance state-of-the-art metabolomics workflows.
High level of motivation and drive.
Willingness to share knowledge and skills with other members of the team on a daily basis.
Flexible attitude towards work.
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times.
Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role.
Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research and attend conferences.
Additional information:
Applicants should submit one CV, a brief cover letter describing motivation and scientific interests and names and contacts of minimum two scientific references.
Please note that applications may be reviewed by both LMS and Imperial staff
