The James Hutton Institute is a globally respected research organisation dedicated to delivering innovative and transformative science for the sustainable management of land, crops, and natural resources. As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and expand our research into biochemical sciences, we are seeking a talented and motivated LC/MS Scientist to join our Environmental and Biochemical Sciences (EBS) team.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment, supporting both scientific discoveries and industry partnerships. You will play a crucial role in managing our LC-MS suite, which has had a recent investment of over £2M in new instrumentation. An opportunity to contribute to world-leading research in metabolomics for the bioeconomy and sustainable agriculture sectors.
Key Responsibilities
As an LC-MS Scientist at the James Hutton Institute, you will:
1. Lead and manage the operation of the LC-MS suite in the James Hutton Institute, ensuring high-quality standards and performance.
2. Lead method development, troubleshooting, and data analytics for generating metabolomic data.
3. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of scientists across the Institute, providing technical expertise in experimental design and data generation.
4. Develop and deliver LC-MS analysis services to support both academic and stakeholder-focused research.
5. Actively engage in research projects, including the James Hutton Innovation flagships the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC), the International Barley Hub (IBH) and the BBSRC/Innovate UK supported National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC).
6. Contribute to research proposal writing and the production of publication-ready data for both scientific research and commercial partnerships.
What We Offer
* Generous holiday entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with limited carryover and guaranteed time off for Christmas.
* Employer contribution of 15% in a personal pension plan, with employee contribution flexibility.
* 35-hour working week with self-managed hours and flexible working options.
* Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for personal and professional support.
* Participation in the James Hutton Group Life Scheme.
What We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
1. Proven expertise in LC-MS technology, particularly with Orbitrap and other advanced mass spectrometry systems.
2. Experience in maintaining the efficient running of chromatographs and mass spectrometers.
3. Experience with metabolomics data generation, including metabolite isolation, identification, and quantification, using software such as Mass Hunter and Profiler.
4. Experience with post-acquisition data processing techniques and troubleshooting.
5. A strong foundation in analytical (bio)chemistry with an established track record of the practical application of LC-MS technologies to bioeconomy-related sciences.
6. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
7. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt methods to meet the needs of diverse research projects.
8. Ideally, evidence of scientific publications or other outputs demonstrating your achievements in metabolomics or related fields.
9. Ideally practical experience of direct staff management
About Us
The James Hutton Institute is committed to advancing science for the benefit of society and the environment. We carry out both fundamental and applied research to help meet the future challenges of agriculture, climate change, and the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate with academic, industrial, and governmental partners to deliver innovative solutions for food security, environmental sustainability, and carbon neutrality.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're interested in the role using the 'Apply Now' button. The post will close on 10 March 2025.
For more information about the role or the James Hutton Institute, please visit or contact Derek Stewart at derek.stewart@hutton.ac.uk (+44 (0)1382 568778) for an informal chat about the role.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution.
Our Values