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Principal Scientist in Mass Spectrometry

Vacancy Reference Number: Job ID: 699
Closing Date: 1 Mar 2019
Salary: Competitive
Address: The Binding Site, 8 Calthorpe Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 1QT
Duration: Permanent

**Note: Closing Date - The closing date is not static. The Binding Site reserves the right to shorten or extend the closing date depending upon applications**

JOB BRIEF

To support the development and commercialization of mass spectrometry based immuno assays.
To assist in the expansion of the Mass Spectrometry group at TBS Birmingham and the creation of a dedicated Mass Spectrometry suite
To technically advise colleagues and mentor junior members of staff in the application of mass spectrometric methods to clinical diagnostic problems

Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Binding Site (TBS) seeks an enthusiastic and adaptable Principal Scientist in Mass Spectrometry (MS) to join the TBS Biochemistry Mass Spectrometry team.
The successful candidate will work directly with the MS Team Lead and will initially be principally responsible for the introduction of ESI-LC-MS based systems to the company. The candidate will be expected to assist in the supervision and mentoring of junior members of the UK Mass Spectrometry group, contributing to and supporting the development of MS-based quantitative clinical assays.
Scientific

To carry out new immunoassay developmental and feasibility studies, designing working reagents, protocols, processes and systems for quantitative mass spectrometric immunoassay development.
To assess new materials and lab equipment where necessary and give feedback on suitability for use.
To identify technologies and methods from external sources, including scientific literature which are appropriate to our core expertise.
Contribute to the specification and design of future products, advising upon project feasibility and offer innovative solutions to achieve design goals.
To bring knowledge and experience from a spectrum of related scientific disciplines, including (but not limited to) protein biochemistry (structure, immunology, function, binding etc.), mass spectrometry (ESI LC-QTOF-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS) and robotic liquid handling systems (Tecan, TTP-Labtech).
To carry out and record work to a high standard and to carry out sufficient validation so as to confirm positive performance once projects are transferred to in-house development/manufacturing teams.

Communication

To be able to communicate effectively with employees at all levels. This post will be expected to communicate ideas to senior managers and directors, and take part in discussions to evaluate the usefulness of those ideas.
To be able to challenge opinions based on specialist knowledge which will involve discussing complex and confidential information.
To disseminate knowledge gained during study and training to contribute to the knowledge of colleagues.
To present research in the form of scientific papers, posters or oral presentations at regional, national and international meetings as required.
To attend and contribute fully to departmental meetings.
To accurately label and file all experimental data.
To generate clear and accurate experimental records and reports.

Supervision and Mentoring

The successful candidate will be expected to design, provide and document training on incoming equipment and new procedures suitable for members of both the TBS Mass Spectrometry group and external customers/collaborators.
As the group expands, the successful candidate will be expected to supervise and mentor a small number of staff with lesser technical experience. The following responsibilities with regard to staff may apply :
To manage their daily work schedules, probation and training review, and to carry out IPDs.
Provide problem solving/trouble shooting assistance and in parallel assist the individual in improving their own problem solving skills.
Assist in designing experiments.

General

To be responsible for the management and planning of own workload.
To contribute to the development of policies, standard operating procedures and protocols relevant to the operation of the department.
To evaluate activities within the department and suggest improvement initiatives to ensure the department is performing as efficiently as possible.
To have an understanding of the company as a whole beyond their own department.
Upkeep of training and health and safety records to demonstrate competence to internal auditors.
To take charge of one or more routine tasks within the department.
The post holder shall ensure that all aspects of their work comply with the company quality, health and safety and departmental policies to ensure the safety of both the employees of the company and the devices produced through their work whilst employed here.
It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authori

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

Essential

The successful applicant will have a post-graduate research degree (PhD or equivalent) in life sciences, biochemistry or computer science.
Applicants without a PhD level qualification may be considered but will be expected to have substantial (7+ years) experience specifically in the analysis of large biomolecules by mass spectrometric methods.
3+ Years postgraduate laboratory experience within a mass spectrometry field (hands on).
In depth understanding and experience in ESI-LC-MS applications – to include experimental design, instrument operation, data analysis and troubleshooting.
Experience in novel method design and subsequent data analysis and reporting.
Proven ability in carrying out laboratory-based research or bioinformatics.
Ability to communicate complex information accurately and clearly to a range of audiences, both written and verbally.
Ability to apply relevant models, techniques and methods and develop new ones.
Creative approach to problem-solving.
Willingness to work as a part of a team.
Organized and approachable.
Flexible attitude towards work.
Enthusiastic and able to motivate others to produce a high standard of work.
Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security.
Willingness to undertake travel, both within the United Kingdom and abroad to visit colleagues/collaborators, conduct research and attend conferences/workshops and other meetings. The successful applicant will be expected to travel a number of times per year, primarily to the USA and Europe.

Desirable

Trained/qualified on current mass spectrometers and their accompanying acquisition/analysis software packages.
Trained/qualified on current liquid chromatography systems and their accompanying acquisition/analysis software packages.
Leadership/management training.
Trained/qualified in project management and project management related software packages.
Trained/qualified in regulated science environments (e.g. GMP, GLP, GCP, ISO).
Practical experience in the operation and troubleshooting of (specifically) Waters, Bruker and Shimadzu instrumentation and associated software.
Understanding and experience in MALDI-MS applications – to include experimental design, instrument operation, data analysis and troubleshooting.
Understanding of statistical methods, specifically their application in biochemistry and clinical diagnostic assays.
Supervision/management of laboratory staff.
Scientific experience outside of academia
Experience with enterprise resource planning/management (ERP/ERM) software, especially products from Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS).
Use of automated or robotic liquid handling systems.
Protein characterization techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting etc.)
Protein purification on ÄKTA platforms.
Immunoassay development.
Authorship and management of controlled documents, including detailed protocols.
Advanced software skills, including spreadsheets, word-processing, PowerPoint, vector based graphics design, object based/oriented programming.
Commitment to meeting deadlines.
Willingness to undertake necessary training for the role.
Experience with the design and creation of 3D models for prototyping/concept purposes.

Further Information

The Binding Site - https://www.bindingsite.com/en

To apply - https://www.bindingsite.com/en/careers#page_id=ss_job_display&page_key=699.1

Contact Details

simon.north@bindingsite.com