Research Assistant in Novel Thermally Fragile Radiosensitizers

The Open University – School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 5 months from start date

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

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About the Role

Cancer is a disease that spans the breadth of human existence and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Radiosensitizers are compounds that, when combined with radiotherapies, enhance radiation driven death of the targeted cancer cells. The global prevalence and increasing incidence of cancer urgently calls for the discovery and implementation of new, efficient radiosensitizers.

Potential radiosensitizers can be studied in the gas phase as a ‘bottom up approach’ by gaining fundamental knowledge of the molecular reaction dynamics and mechanisms of response to radiation and secondary particles. However, this presents experimental difficulties of generating suitably stable and dense gas phase beams of potential radiosensitizers which are non-volatile solids. Heating solids to vaporization can induce thermal decomposition which will interfere with the measurements.

This project will investigate the thermal fragility of potential radiosensitizers when bought into the gas phase using the technique of laser based thermal desorption (LBTD). The gas phase products will be monitored by mass spectrometry.

We are looking for a passionate researcher who is highly motivated to succeed in a cutting-edge and challenging scientific project, with the commitment to work both independently and in a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

During this position you will become proficient in running and maintaining the laser based thermal desorption-mass spectrometry apparatus (LBTD-MS). You will be responsible for optimizing the performance of the laser based thermal desorption (LBTD) source to produce dense and stable plumes of molecules for extended time periods. You will investigate a number of molecules with desired radiosensitizing characteristics with the LBTD source coupled with mass spectrometry. From this, there is an opportunity for you to conduct some independent research to identify and propose a series of molecules.

You will be responsible for analysing and collating the data, looking to characterise the molecules behaviour upon heating to vapourization using different experimental parameters. You will also contribute to and maintain the required Risk Assessments and associated documentation for this apparatus. You may be asked to work with summer intern students during this period.

About You

Essential

• Undergraduate degree in Chemistry
• Experience of working with bespoke, purpose build equipment
• Experience with mass spectrometry
• Effective diagnostic and problem-solving skills in a laboratory context
• Good interpersonal, scientific communication and presentation skills
• Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams - e.g. across different areas of chemistry or into different disciplines

Desirable

• Have undertaken a significant research project (e.g. Masters in Chemistry)
• Experience in optimizing experimental work though methodological or apparatus development
• Evidence of publication in internationally leading conferences or journals, or evidence that such output will be forthcoming in the near future.
• Experience in working with vacuum systems

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

This role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes campus where you will be required to work onsite 5 days per week.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

We anticipate shortlisting taking place on 9th April. If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place W/C 20th April.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4 and should outline how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above)

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

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Location:	Milton Keynes
Salary:	£35,608 to £38,784 per annum
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On:	12th March 2026
Closes:	30th March 2026
Job Ref:	1461