Research Associate in Exploring the Applications of Picodroplet Mass Spectrometry

The role

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to work on a European Research Council-funded project exploring applications of a recently-developed picodroplet mass spectrometry technology. Mass spectrometry is the most widely applied analytical tool, with end users spanning the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, government, and academic sectors. A drawback is that mass spectrometry is destructive. Our technology may reduce sample volumes consumed during analysis by orders of magnitude by using picolitre (10^-12 L) droplets. It can also leverage orders-of-magnitude accelerations in chemical reactions that accompany performing chemistry in picolitre volumes, potentially accelerating time-consuming preparative chemistry and benefitting end users. However, we have yet to test this technology in many important application areas.

The researcher will be based at the Bristol Aerosol Research Centre, a world-leading facility for aerosol research. The School of Chemistry hosts the multi-institution EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science, which has an industrial club of ~70 companies. Further information about BARC can be found at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/research/barc/. Further information about Bzdek’s group can be found at: https://www.bzdeklab.com/.

What will you be doing?

You will explore the benefits of our new picodroplet mass spectrometry technology, focusing on three application areas (biological analysis, reaction discovery and optimisation, and environmental analysis). You will comprehensively evaluate our technology’s strengths relative to competitors and maximise its commercial value. You will collaborate with end users in all three application areas to co-create and carry out appropriate case studies targeted to the needs of each application. You will also play a key role in conversations with commercial partners in order to communicate the strengths of the picodroplet mass spectrometry technology.

You will be constructing and modifying home-built scientific equipment, working across a multidisciplinary team, and communicating research results through publications and presentations to diverse audiences that include industrial partners.

You should apply if

You should apply if you have:

• Undergraduate degree in chemistry or in disciplines aligned with aerosol science or analytical mass spectrometry.
• Postgraduate degree in chemistry or in disciplines aligned with aerosol science or analytical mass spectrometry or be working towards one.
• A strong background in experimental science, drawing on knowledge gained during postgraduate research.
• Previous experience with mass spectrometry or single particle analysis approaches, or experience in the development of new instrumental techniques.
• The ability to lead preparation of manuscripts for publication and to communicate project outcomes to researchers and industrial partners from a broad range of disciplines.
• The ability to work effectively across a team spanning multiple disciplines.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2025

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 07/11/2024

We expect to hold interviews on: 26/11/2024

For informal queries, please contact: Bryan Bzdek, bb14562@bristol.ac.uk

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