Research Fellow in the Development of New Mass Spectrometry Methods to Characterise Virus Based Drug Products

In this project we seek a motivated individual, with extensive mass spectrometry experience, who wants to develop a new instrument and apply it to the study of MDa. protein assemblies. You will be based in the team of Prof. Perdita Barran in the Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, and work closely with Dr. John Hoyes (TrueMass Ltd.), Dr. Dimitris Papamastasiou (Fasmatech Ltd.) and Prof. Rob Appleby (UoM). Your primary role will be to build, install and test a new geometry CDMS instrument with a novel ESI source with improved characteristics for the transmission of MDa ions

The project also involves close collaboration with Prof. Brian Biggar (UoM) and collaborators at Pharmaron ltd. as we apply the technology to determine the DNA content of recombinant adenoassociated viral (AAV) vectors.

We propose to compare the capabilities of this instrument with that of commercially available mass spectrometry platforms and other methods. As part of this exciting and truly interdisciplinary project you will also build a stage to allow subsequent characterisation of these MDa. complexes via microscopy.

You will develop standard operating procedures for the instrument using, large assembled protein standards (ferritin, Groel and IgEs) and subsequently develop its use for AAVs. The potential to study other large assemblies will also be explored especially heavily glycosylated protein assemblies. This project will use the instrument to measure how many of a given AAV product have filled capsids versus empty and we will compare the data to the efficacy of the drug in animal models.

The School/Department is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN charter for gender equality in higher education. The School/Department holds a Silver Award which recognises their good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff achieve a good work-life balance. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post. All appointment will be made on merit. For further information, please visit: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/ ​​​​​​​

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof Perdita Barran

Email: [email protected] ​​​​​​​

General enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.