Main Purpose of the Job

The Proteomics Scientist will work within the Proteomics Platform at JIC to provide proteomics support to a diverse array of researchers. The role will span multiple aspects of complex proteomics experiments, including advising on experimental design, instrument maintenance and operation, method optimisation, data analysis pipelines, interactions with users/clients, training, sample preparation, data processing, presentation of data, and contributions to associated manuscripts.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, proteomics platform manager and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.
External: TSL proteomics team associated with equipment sharing; other clients and collaborators from external institutions; engineers and support specialists associated with proteomics equipment

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Operate and maintain several advanced mass spectrometers including the requisite software and nano-scale liquid chromatography systems

20

Prepare samples for proteomics analysis including protein quantification, enzymatic digestion, isobaric labelling, sample clean up

20

Run samples on a nanoLCMS system with an Orbitrap Eclipse mass spec for proteomics analysis

20

Process mass spec raw data for peptide/protein identification and quantification

10

Support proteomics projects through employing efficient and accurate data evaluation techniques, placing levels of statistical confidence on data output, and clearly reporting results

10

Interact with faculty and staff and present technical data through presentations and report writing

5

Train others on procedures, operations and new technology, or methods

5

Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

5

Contribute methods, data and analysis to associated research publications

5

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD with significant proteomics experience

Essential

MSc/BSc or equivalent in biological sciences

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Expertise in running proteomics experiments

Essential

Ability to analyse complex protein sample types

Essential

Proficiency with common mass spectrometry proteomics data analysis software

Essential

Knowledge in protein separation and enrichment sciences.

Essential

Knowledge and interest in biological protein structure, function and interaction.

Essential

Proficiency in data dependent and data independent acquisition modes as well as isobaric labelling methods.

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of oral research presentations and written presentations

Essential

Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students

Desirable

Preparing data / information for grant proposals

Desirable

Experience in working with different types of mass spectrometers including Orbitrap and MALDI-TOF

Desirable

Experience with mass spectrometry imaging for the analysis pf small molecules

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Essential

Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars

Essential

Attention to detail

Essential

John Innes Centre

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

To be agreed

Group Details

The position will be placed in the JIC Proteomics Facility team and help provide a comprehensive Proteomics service to JIC, as well as for the wider Norwich Research Park and other external partners.
 

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Proteomics Scientist
Salary:            £36,720 - £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract:        Indefinite, full-time.
Location:        John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 2 March 2025
Reference:     1004842

The John Innes Centre (JIC) seeks a talented, motivated individual as a proteomics specialist to serve the growing needs of proteomics-based technology at JIC, which is a globally recognized, independent research institute specializing in plant and microbial sciences. 

About the Proteomics Platform Group:

The position will be in the JIC Proteomics Platform team, which provides a comprehensive Proteomics service to JIC, as well as for the wider Norwich Research Park and other external partners. The platform is equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometers, including a Thermo Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid equipped with a FAIMS PRO DUO interface. A MALDI source is also available to perform MALDI imaging on the Orbitrap Eclipse.

Further instruments include a Burker MALDI-TOF and a Waters Synapt G2-Si Q-TOF. These facilities allow for a broad range of methods including analysis of individual proteins, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex protein samples (e.g. CoIPs, expression studies, modifications, isotope labelling), as well as mass spectrometry imaging and ion mobility. We offer collaboration, service and advice across the Norwich Research Park, the wider research community and commercial users.

The role:

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic and talented proteomics specialist to join our Proteomics Platform in a full-time, indefinite post. The specialist will work alongside an experienced platform manager to support proteomics projects, including instrument maintenance and operation, sample preparation, method optimization, data analysis pipelines, interactions with users/clients, advising on experimental design, and training. The specialist will also assist with data processing and contribute to associated research papers.

While the work is focused on proteomics on the Orbitrap Eclipse, the role will also involve the operation and maintenance of several advanced mass spectrometers (Thermo Orbitrap Eclipse, Burker MALDI-TOF, Waters Synapt Q-TOF) including the requisite software and nano-scale liquid chromatography systems. The specialist will prepare samples for proteomics analysis including protein quantification, enzymatic digestion, isobaric labelling, and sample clean up. Projects will be further supported by employing efficient and accurate data evaluation techniques, and the role will involve close interactions with research groups to aid with experimental design, data analysis and associated training.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in proteomics-based work and a PhD in a relevant subject. Hands-on experience in the application of mass spectrometry/LC-MS techniques to the detailed characterization of proteins is essential for this role.

They will have knowledge in protein separation and enrichment sciences, as well as an interest in biological protein structure, function and interactions. Knowledge and proficiency in the operation of advanced Orbitrap, MALDI and Q-TOF mass spectrometers is highly desirable, along with associated liquid chromatography systems.

The candidate should be skilled in the preparation of high-quality samples for advanced experiments, such as protein quantification and isobaric labelling.  Proficiency with common mass spectrometry proteomics data analysis software is desirable (e.g. Mascot, Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, MSFragger, DIA-NN, Skyline), along with experience in handling large data sets and performing statistical data analysis of proteomics results. Experience in working with different types of mass spectrometers including MALDI-TOF and analysis of small molecules and experience in mass spec imaging (MALDI-imaging) is desirable.

While experience in instrument maintenance is highly desirable, the platform will provide full training across all relevant instruments and techniques, ensuring you’ll be equipped to handle a variety of tasks.

Additional information:

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.