Novel Applications of Trace Metal Stable Isotopes in Medical Research

The application of multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(MC-ICP-MS) for trace metal stable isotope analysis is well established within
geochemistry since the conception of the technique about 20 years ago. The use of
such instruments in medical and life science research has only just begun, however,
and the scope of applications is vast, from diagnosis to mechanistic understanding.
This project will investigate the use of trace metal isotope analyses, originally
developed for geochemical research, within a medical context, in particular for studies
in neurosciences, oncology, and toxicology.
The analytical work will be carried out in the clean room and mass spectrometry
laboratories of the MAGIC Research Center at the Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College London (http://www.imperial.ac.uk/earth-science/research/research-groups/magic/). The inter-disciplinary nature of the project implies that the successful candidate will need to communicate effectively with
academic professionals from medicine, biology, chemistry and engineering.