Postdoctoral Research Associate (Drug Control Centre)

Job description

A vacancy has arisen for a Postdoctoral Analyst within King’s Forensics to cover maternity leave within the Drug Control Centre (DCC) and King’s Forensics in the Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences (AEFS), School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences.  The DCC is accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) as a sports testing laboratory, in accordance with ISO 17025. 

Under the supervision of the Head of the DCC, the postholder will be responsible for research and development. The post holder will function effectively under our ISO 17025 quality system and establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as instructed by the Senior Quality Manager. The post holder will have significant expertise and have capability for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of GC or LC-mass spectrometry for the detection of small molecules. The post holder will have expertise in method development and contribute to the development of methods using alternative matrices such as Dried Blood Spots and Serum under the direction of the Head of the DCC and the Deputy Director. 

About the School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences:

  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/Schools/population-health-and-environmental-sciences/index.aspx   

About the Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences:

  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/sphes/our-departments/aes/analytical-environmental-forensic-sciences 

About King’s Forensics:

  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/research/divisions/aes/research/kings-forensics/index.aspx  

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 12 months 

This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

The post holder as a research associate will provide high quality analytical output developing predominantly LC-MS methods for anti-doping purposes and will be responsible for the analysis of biological samples. They will: 

•        Develop analytical methodologies by using Liquid-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques to support the research in anti-doping science within the DCC, commanding a good work ethic and to be an advocate for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) on all occasions  

•        Provide recognised specialist analytical expertise for the LC-technologies where the primary focus will be on operating both as an individual and in a team.  

•        Contribute to the smooth running of the DCC and conduct confirmation procedures and/or validation as required by the Head of the Drug Control Centre.  

•        Be responsive to changing priorities within an evolving environment /context, maximising the efficiency of the analytical service being provided 

•        Foster a stimulating, innovative and inclusive cultural environment across King’s Forensics enabling colleagues to thrive and develop, ensuring that processes and policies are followed and are visible, accessible, and transparent  

•        Provide advice and guidance where appropriate, and where required, source information to resolve analytical issues to facilitate workflow 

•        Actively engage in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.      Post-doctoral level or equivalent experience in chromatographic analysis and mass spectrometry and/or anti-doping science fields developed through considerable knowledge and skills gained through work experience in a similar post 

2.      Have an in-depth knowledge of specialist analytical practices, methods, and procedures applicable to the work area and to share best practice with focus on LC-MS (or GC) instrumentation 

3.      Good computer skills including Microsoft Office packages, use of databases and statistical and/or specialist software packages 

4.      High level of skill in data evaluation and interpretation 

5.      Excellent planning and organisational skills as evidenced by successfully projects, identifying goals and performance standards, and putting in place mechanisms to deliver these. 

6.      Strong communication skills, in particular when conveying complex and highly specialist information to a lay/ non-expert audience 

7.      A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias 

Desirable criteria

8.      Experience of working with different biological sample matrices 

9.      A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn new techniques 

10.    To be able to meet the requirements of a Certifying Scientist as per the WADA International Laboratory Standard (ISL) 

11.    Experience working to ISO17025 standards (or equivalent) and the analysis of different compounds (see WADA Prohibited list) 

12.    Experience of research work within a pressured environment.  

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further information

Candidates are strongly encouraged to specifically address the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification in their covering letter.