The Rosalind Franklin Institute (the Franklin) is a prestigious technology institute established by the UK Government. It is dedicated to developing ground-breaking tools to image, interpret, and intervene in biological systems—ultimately transforming future healthcare, speeding up drug discovery, and deepening our understanding of human health.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Native Ambient Mass Spectrometry, Rosalind Franklin Institute, UK
Job Summary
The Franklin is seeking a postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team in native ambient mass spectrometry imaging. This role focuses on developing innovative tools (including nano-DESI and related techniques) and integrating them with structural biology methods to advance spatial and structural biology. The position is based at the state-of-the-art facilities in Harwell.
Key Job Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | Research Associate in Native Ambient Mass Spectrometry |
| Research Area | Scientific / Native Ambient Mass Spectrometry Imaging |
| Location | Harwell, Oxfordshire, UK |
| Reference No. | 10400 |
| Post Type | Full Time |
| Appointment Period | Fixed-Term Contract (3 Years) |
| Salary | From £39,500 per annum (Depending on skills and experience) Note: Candidates who have submitted their PhD/DPhil thesis but are awaiting completion may be considered at an initial salary of £38,500 per annum. |
Research Area: Native Ambient Mass Spectrometry Imaging & Instrument Development
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Requirement: Holds a PhD/DPhil (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline (or has submitted their thesis and is awaiting final completion).
- Technical Experience: The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in at least two of the following areas:
- Native mass spectrometry
- Top-down mass spectrometry
- Mass spectrometry imaging
- Ion source development
- Instrument development
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
As a Research Associate, you will build scientific independence, collaborate across multi-modal platforms, and contribute to the Franklin’s core scientific challenges. Key responsibilities include:
- Tool & Instrument Development: Develop new tools for native ambient mass spectrometry imaging. Design, model, and construct new instrumentation to enable advanced chemical imaging.
- Collaborative Research: Work closely with biological and mass spectrometry experts to optimize imaging conditions and integrate diverse multiomic data.
- Experimental Execution: Plan and conduct experiments, analyze results, and investigate cutting-edge instrumentation to improve sensitivity and spatial resolution.
- Scientific Output: Lead major contributions to research papers, patents, and presentations.
- Mentorship: Provide day-to-day supervision and support to students or visitors in your research area.
How to Apply
To apply for this role:
- Review the full 10400_Job Pack (PDF document containing comprehensive details).
- Prepare a tailored CV and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal fit for this position.
- Submit your application online by clicking the “Apply for this Job” button on the official Rosalind Franklin Institute Careers Page.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team confidentially atrecruitment@rfi.ac.uk.
Important Dates
- Application Closing Date: Sunday, 26th July 2026 (at 23:59)
- Interview Week: Week commencing 10th August 2026
