King's College London

About Us

A vacancy has arisen for two Research Associates (Postdoctoral Analyst) within the Drug Control Centre (DCC), King’s Forensics in the Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer Studies, and Pharmaceutical Science. Each post holder will carry research driven by the needs of the DCC, a WADA sports testing laboratory accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.

About The Role

Under the supervision of the Head of the DCC, the postholder will function effectively under the dual laboratory accreditation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and UKAS for sports testing (ISO/IEC 17025 quality system). 

POST ONE: The post holder will have demonstratable expertise in bioanalytical research applied to the analysis of small molecules and/or proteins to be applied to Dried Blood Spots. Laboratory expertise within Gas or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry is essential as a time commitment to routine analysis to inform research will be required. 

This will require a familiarity with method development (screening and confirmation) and validation in biological fluids (blood/DBS) as a prerequisite to the introduction into the routine screening service. The post holder will assist in the delivery of confirmation tests as required as part of their role. The post holder will work to a research plan as part of their role being responsive to changing priorities within a demanding WADA laboratory environment maximising the efficiency of the analytical service being provided. Research initiatives will be related to the development of the DBS portfolio as required within the DCC and as such project management, meeting deadlines and good organisational skills are a must. 

The development of research ideas and the publication and dissemination of research will be an expectation of the role. Areas of interest may include DBS analysis of anabolic androgenic steroids, and other compounds listed in the WADA prohibited list. 

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered as a 3-year fixed term contract in the first instance.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: 

Essential criteria

1. At least 2 years post-doctoral level or equivalent experience in within a laboratory setting carrying out bioanalysis using chromatographic or immunoassay techniques developed through knowledge and skills gained through work experience in a similar post 
2. In-depth knowledge of small molecule or small proteins analysis that can be applied in practice to the DCC work area showing aptitude for this work and able to share best practice 
3. Good computer skills including Microsoft Office packages, and experience in handling large data sets, data evaluation and interpretation to inform research 
4. Knowledge of research planning within analytical science of an applied, practical nature, and bringing such plans to fruition 
5. Well versed in method development using biological matrices 
6. Excellent planning and organisational skills as evidenced by successful completion of analytical projects, identifying goals and performance standards, and putting in place mechanisms to deliver these. 
7. Sufficient knowledge and understanding to prepare work for publication related to analytical science and drug testing that is of interest to the wider anti-doping/scientific community 
8. Experience of research project supervision and an ability to explain complex information to others 
9. Capable of working to short deadlines as set by WADA or other authorities to deliver routine sports testing as part of the DCC service-led requirements

Desirable criteria

1. Experience working to ISO17025 standards (or equivalent) 
2. Knowledge of method validation for small drug molecules and metabolites or small proteins in biological fluids 
3. Experience in obtaining grant funding for analytical laboratory research 

 Full details of the role and the skills and experience required, can be found in the attached job description which provided on the next page.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting personal statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. 

If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. 

To find out how our managers review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages. Interviews are due to be held during May This role meets the requirements of the Home Office and therefore we can offer sponsorship for candidates who require the right to work in the UK.