Senior Research Fellow

About the role

We are looking to appoint a part-time Senior Research Fellow, The project will develop a new technology for isotope-resolved fluxomics by extending the Universal Fragmentation Model (UFM) to provide mechanistically justified, atom-resolved interpretations of MS/MS and, where informative, MSⁿ data.

The research will: (1) implement persistent atom mapping and isotopologue support in UFM; (2) build and experimentally validate a flux-oriented fragment knowledgebase that classifies fragments by mechanistic reliability; (3) integrate UFM-derived fragment definitions with established EMU-based metabolic flux analysis tools; and (4) develop robust LC-MS/MS and MSⁿ acquisition and validation workflows, including studies of pentose phosphate pathway flux. Experimental work will use stable-isotope-labelled standards and tracer studies, with high-resolution MS/MS and MSⁿ on an Orbitrap ID-X at Imperial.

What you would be doing

The post is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through the Transformative Research Technologies (25TRT) programme to develop predictive, mechanistically informed tandem mass spectrometry for high-resolution metabolic flux analysis.

To plan, lead and undertake high-quality research in mechanistic tandem mass spectrometry, computational fragmentation modelling and isotope-resolved metabolic flux analysis. The post-holder will develop the UFM software for atom-resolved isotope tracing, perform computational and LC-MS/MS/MSⁿ validation, integrate UFM outputs with established MFA tools, analyse tracer data, and deliver reusable software, benchmark datasets and publications. The post-holder will also contribute to project management, dissemination and development of follow-on research opportunities.

What we are looking for

PhD in chemistry, analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, systems biology, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience

What we can offer you

• This is an opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• We will support your career development activities.

• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 38 days off a year)

Further information

This is a Part time Fixed term role, based at our Hammersmith Campus.

For informal inquiries or questions about the role, please contact Prof Zoltan Takats directly at z.takats@imperial.ac.uk