Research Associate IV - Metabolomics
About The Position
The UMass Chan Metabolomics Core Facility is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Associate IV to support metabolism-based research projects in a variety of experimental models using high-resolution, accurate-mass liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Under the direction of the Core Director, this role provides operational support to the metabolomics and lipidomics platform by performing bench-level experiments and collaborating with researchers to develop and apply LC/MS-based methods that advance their projects. The position requires discretion in prioritizing and organizing workflows, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively to ensure high-quality data acquisition in a state-of-the-art laboratory. The role also leads projects with collaborators, maintains and troubleshoots mass spectrometers, analyzes data, advises researchers on study design and interpretation, and supports laboratory safety, training, reporting, grants, and manuscripts.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of relevant research experience with a bachelor's degree in biological science, biochemistry, or (analytical) chemistry; or at least 3 years of relevant research experience with a related master's degree or Ph.D.
- Experience analyzing small molecules using chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- Familiarity with high-resolution, accurate-mass spectrometers, such as Orbitraps.
- Willingness to work in a collaborative environment and provide customer service to external users.
- Recent bench-work experience.
- Ability to prepare research reports.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to understand scientific, experimental, and/or research theory.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with lipidomics in addition to metabolomics is strongly preferred.
- Experience with gas chromatography, NMR, or other methods of analyzing metabolism.
- Understanding of stable-isotope use in tracing experiments.
- Broad knowledge of open-source, high-resolution, accurate-mass data-analysis software.
- Interest in advanced data processing and analysis using tools such as Matlab, R, or Python.
- Familiarity with statistical models used to analyze large datasets.
- Willingness to explore and adopt AI in the metabolomics workflow.
Responsibilities
- Serve as project lead on multiple projects with different collaborators.
- Assist with weekly cleaning and calibration of LC/MS instrumentation and perform data quality checks.
- Prepare samples for metabolomics and lipidomics experiments.
- Optimize extraction protocols and assist researchers with metabolite extractions.
- Perform LC/MS/MS experiments for targeted and untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics.
- Analyze data using software such as TraceFinder, Compound Discoverer, and LipidSearch.
- Consult with researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.
- Produce reports and share them with collaborators.
- Participate in grant writing and manuscript preparation.
- Present data at group meetings and potentially attend scientific conferences.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of mass spectrometers.
- Develop new metabolomics and lipidomics methods and workflows as needed.
- Assist with general laboratory tasks as needed.
- Maintain detailed records and adhere to standard operating procedures.
- Supervise and train new laboratory personnel and junior laboratory members.
- Serve as EHS contact and monitor and enforce laboratory safety standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
