Post-Master’s Research Associate – Spatial & Mass Spec Imaging Data Science
About The Position
The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) at PNNL seeks a post-master’s research associate to work at the forefront of data acquisition, instrument control, and data processing for PNNL’s unique spatial and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technologies. The successful candidate will help streamline the entire path from instrument control and raw data capture through to analysis-ready results, directly enabling high-throughput (HTP) experiments that would otherwise be limited by acquisition and data-processing bottlenecks. This is a data-facing role at the interface of instrumentation and computation: the candidate will work closely with mass spectrometry scientists to understand acquisition workflows, then build and refine the processing pipelines, scripts, and tools needed to handle large batches of imaging data efficiently. The candidate is also expected to write and improve software that enhances the data acquisition process itself, not just downstream processing — for example, tools that streamline instrument control, automate acquisition steps, or improve data quality at the point of capture. By removing these bottlenecks, the candidate will help unlock EMSL’s ability to advance research in microbial, environmental, and human health biology at scale. Modern AI tools are a core part of how this work gets done. The candidate is expected to be comfortable using large language model assistants such as Claude, ChatGPT, and other frontier AI models to accelerate coding, data exploration, documentation, and troubleshooting. Position is ONSITE ONLY, and located in Richland, WA.
Requirements
- Master’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
- Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, data science, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry data analysis.
- Scripting/programming experience (e.g., Python) for data processing, pipeline development, and instrument acquisition software.
- Working knowledge of how to use AI frontier models (Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) to support technical work.
- Experience handling or processing large, high-throughput datasets.
- Experience working on interdisciplinary and/or inter-institutional teams.
Responsibilities
- Work at the forefront of data acquisition, instrument control, and data processing for PNNL’s unique spatial and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technologies.
- Help streamline the entire path from instrument control and raw data capture through to analysis-ready results, directly enabling high-throughput (HTP) experiments.
- Work closely with mass spectrometry scientists to understand acquisition workflows.
- Build and refine processing pipelines, scripts, and tools needed to handle large batches of imaging data efficiently.
- Write and improve software that enhances the data acquisition process itself, not just downstream processing.
- Develop tools that streamline instrument control, automate acquisition steps, or improve data quality at the point of capture.
- Utilize AI frontier models (Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) to accelerate coding, data exploration, documentation, and troubleshooting.
Benefits
- health insurance
- flexible work schedules
- medical insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- telehealth care options
- mental health benefits
- free wellness coaching
- health savings account
- flexible spending accounts
- basic life insurance
- disability insurance
- employee assistance program
- business travel insurance
- tuition assistance
- relocation
- backup childcare
- legal benefits
- supplemental parental bonding leave
- surrogacy and adoption assistance
- fertility support
- company-funded pension plan
- 401 (k) savings plan with company match
- 120 vacation hours per year
- ten paid holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
