Research Fellow in Biological Mass Spectrometry

Job description This is full time, fixed term role. Closing date: 23:59 on 15th August 2026 Interview date: TBC. The interview process will include providing a sole-author written scientific output such as a report, thesis or article and preparation of a short presentation. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Cramer Lab for a prestigious project funded by the Royal Society’s Paul Instrument Fund. This is a unique opportunity to lead the development of a next-generation ion source for native mass spectrometry (MS) using Liquid AP (LAP)-MALDI. The Role Building on our established success with UV-based LAP-MALDI, this project aims to revolutionize native-like analysis by exploiting the natural infrared (IR) absorption of aqueous systems. Your work will focus on the setup, optimization, and application of a novel IR laser-based LAP-MALDI source. You will be working with a dedicated Q-TOF mass spectrometer (under full service contract) to analyze a diverse range of biomolecular analytes, including peptides, proteins, and protein conjugates. Key Responsibilities: Instrumentation: Leading the hardware setup and optimization of the IR-LAP-MALDI ion source. Experimental Design: Developing protocols for native MS and comparing performance against current UV-LAP-MALDI MS benchmarks. Lab Operations: Managing biological sample preparation, instrument maintenance, and complex MS analyses. Data & Dissemination: Conducting advanced data mining and analysis, and authoring high-impact scientific publications. About You The ideal candidate will be an experienced researcher with a strong background in biological mass spectrometry and a penchant for instrumentation development. Essential Requirements: PhD or equivalent qualification in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics or a related analytical science. Proven expertise in Biological Mass Spectrometry. Familiar with Laser-based Ionisation Sources. Technical proficiency in hardware optimisation and instrument troubleshooting. Ability to work consistently on-site at our Whiteknights Campus. What We Offer Duration: Full-time, fixed-term contract for up to 14 months. Flexibility: We support work-life balance and will consider part-time arrangements (minimum 0.6 FTE) on a pro-rata basis. Environment: Based at our award-winning Whiteknights Campus, you will join a collaborative and well-funded research group at the forefront of MS technology. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of (bio)analytical chemistry. If you are ready to contribute to a high-profile project supported by the Royal Society, we invite you to apply. Contact details for advert: Rainer Cramer, Professor, r.k.cramer@reading.ac.uk £36,636 to £37,694 per annum (part-time arrangements possible at pro rata'd salary)