Head of Mass Spectrometry, ASSET Technology Centre

Queen’s University Belfast

Head of Mass Spectrometry, ASSET Technology Centre                    

Ref: 20/108444

Institute for Global Food Security

School of Biological Sciences

We are recruiting for a Head of Mass Spectroscopy who will play a major leadership role in the operations and expansion of the Mass-Spectrometry Unit within the ASSET Centre of the Institute for Global Food Security in the School of Biological Science. The ASSET Centre has a wide range of platforms to perform targeted and untargeted analysis for small and large molecules. The ASSET Technology Centre is a leading analytical chemistry research hub and is a designated ‘Centre of Expertise’ in food authenticity. Researchers undertake frontier measurement research is many areas of environmental and food security related sciences. The development of proposals to support the centre to gaining further national and international recognition as a centre of excellence will also be a key role as will the fostering of strategic relationships with key technology providers. The Head of the Unit will contribute to strategic planning to ensure the long term sustainability and expansion of the unit. They will provide high quality scientific expertise to support researchers obtaining the maximum benefit from the technology platforms available.

The successful candidate will support a large and dynamic group of researchers in terms of fostering collaborations and provide scientific and technical support. The post holder will ensure the success and sustained resourcing of the Mass-Spectrometry Unit by developing its ability to support the generation of grant income and contribute to high profile publications and societal impacts.

The successful candidate must have:

• A relevant degree and PhD

• Substantial relevant research experience in mass spectrometry that will enable further development of the unit and contribute to the Institute grand challenges

• Experience of developing new research methodologies, especially for small molecule analysis, with the aim of implementing new approaches, techniques and work flows for mass spectrometry

Salary: £41,526 - £51,034 per annum

This post is available for 24 months with possibility of extension. 

Closing date: Wednesday 02 December 2020

Anticipated interview date: Friday 11 December 2020

Informal enquiries may be directed to Ms Ciara Sarsfield via email to c.sarsfield@qub.ac.uk

The Institute aims to enhance the way we use technology in research, food security, microbiology, ecosystem biology, sustainability and many other related areas.  We host an innovative scientific research team and contribute to genuine new discoveries and the development of new methods of practical use the Institute for Global Food Security GRI: The Institute is ranked No 1 in the UK for research intensity in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Sciences (REF 2014). 

Further information about the School, Institute and Group Leader can be found at https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/

https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/TheInstituteforGlobalFoodSecurity/

https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/TheInstituteforGlobalFoodSecurity/Facilities/

https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/core-technology-units/MassSpectrometry/

Queen’s University Belfast is a driver of innovation and talent based on excellence. Throughout the University, our academics collaborate across disciplines and with outside agencies and institutions on projects of world significance. We are connected and networked with strategic partnerships across the world, helping us to expand our impact on wider society locally, nationally and globally. The University is committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best global talent within an environment that enables them to realise their full potential.

We are a leader in gender equality and diversity, and are one of the UK’s most successful universities in the Athena SWAN initiative which promotes gender equality and career progression. The University holds an Athena SWAN silver award and the School of Biological Sciences holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award in recognition of our work to support women in Science commitment and success in addressing gender equality, representation, progression and success for all our staff.

We are ranked 1st in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (Innovate UK), 9th in the UK for University facilities (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018) and 14th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019).

Based in Belfast, a modern capital city, our beautiful campus is surrounded by abundant acres of parkland and is renowned as one of the safest and most affordable cities in the UK. There is an excellent range of local Schools from pre-nursery upwards and we are immensely proud of what our city and our University will offer you.

For full job details and essential/desirable criteria please refer to the candidate information link on our website by clicking apply. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria when you submit your application. For further information or assistance, contact Resourcing Team, Queen’s University Belfast, BT7 1NN or email on resourcing@qub.ac.uk

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all.

However, our employment monitoring data tells us that individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people with a disability and those who identify as LGBT+ are currently under-represented at the University. Also protestants are currently under-represented in this category of work. As such, we particularly welcome applications from these individuals.

As you may be aware, Queen’s is recognised as one of the most diverse organisations in Northern Ireland. We are committed to ensuring our workplace is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to work, which is why we subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena SWAN.

It is also why we have established award winning Staff Networks such as PRISM and iRise. These networks provide an opportunity for staff to meet in a friendly, informal way to support each other.  More details on all our networks can be found at https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but, in particular circumstances, may be renewed or made permanent, subject to availability of funding.