4D Mass Spectrometry

Description

The underpinning project is funded by an EPSRC international collaborator award (4-D Mass Spectrometry) in collaboration with the Ohio State University (USA). The project aims to develop novel ionisation techniques for mass spectrometry (MS) and other ion-based analytical instrumentation, including ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). These novel ion sources will be integrated and tested with a range of mass spectrometers and ion mobility spectrometers available within the MSIRG, including an Orbitrap Exploris 240, (trans)portable Waters QDa as well as in-house developed ion mobility and mass spectrometer systems. The project seeks to develop, characterise and understand the advantages and potential applications of 4D-MS, which will require design, fabrication and optimisation of ion source parameters, including applied voltages and relative spatial arrangements. The resultant new platform technology will be explored for a range of applications.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in electronics and instrumentation, as well as experience in analytical method development and multivariate data analysis. Full training on all equipment/instruments will be provided, along with access to a suite of data analysis software.

The Mass Spectrometry & Instrumentation Research Group (MSIRG) at the University of Liverpool has experience developing bespoke analytical instrumentation dating back to the 1960s (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/mass-spectrometry/). You will join this vibrant research group based in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/electrical-engineering-and-electronics/) at the University of Liverpool. Following recent grant funding successes, UoL has invested > £0.5M in the research group facilities with a new ~185 m² MSIRG laboratory housing electronic and mechanical instrumentation fabrication facilities with advanced analytical capability. The analytical equipment available within the group includes an Exploris 240 Orbitrap, triple Quadrupole MS, GC-MS, as well as several portable and miniature MS (and IMS) systems.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have a first class or an upper second-class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. However, we also encourage applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds to apply who have extensive and relevant research experience (e.g., prior project experience, related research experience, project portfolio, relevant publication record, demonstrable interest in the topic, etc).