Research Professional, Metabolomics

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

7d•$60,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Metabolomics Platform provides advanced mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, lipidomics and stable isotope tracing services to support basic, translational and clinical research. Under the direction of the Metabolomics Platform Director, this position supports day-to-day platform operations, including sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, data processing, quality control, method development, and interpretation of metabolomics and lipidomics data. The individual will work collaboratively with investigators, students, research staff, and other platform personnel and will contribute to the continued development and implementation of new analytical technologies and workflows.

Requirements

PhD in related field.
Knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Knowledge of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, metabolomics, lipidomics, or mass spectrometry.
Experience with LC-MS sample preparation and operation of high-resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation.
Familiarity with chromatographic techniques such as HILIC and reversed-phase chromatography.
Experience with metabolomics, lipidomics, targeted quantification, or stable isotope tracing.
Experience with mass spectrometry and metabolomics data-processing software and basic statistical/data-analysis approaches.
Ability to troubleshoot analytical workflows and independently identify and resolve routine technical problems.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in sample tracking, experimental documentation, and data management.
Ability to manage multiple research projects and priorities in a collaborative core-facility environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with investigators and research personnel from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Operates high-resolution LC-MS instrumentation and associated liquid chromatography systems for metabolite and lipid profiling, targeted quantification, and stable isotope tracing studies.
Performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites and lipids using specialized mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and data-analysis software.
Processes and evaluates LC-MS data, including peak detection and integration, metabolite identification/annotation, normalization, quality-control assessment, and statistical analysis.
Prepares calibration standards, internal standards, stock solutions, extraction solvents, mobile phases, and other reagents required for LC-MS analyses.
Performs routine instrument performance checks, system suitability testing, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting of LC-MS and sample-preparation workflows. Identifies technical problems and assists in implementing corrective actions.
Maintains detailed and accurate documentation of sample preparation, instrument methods, method development and optimization, quality-control procedures, experimental results, and data-analysis workflows.
Assists with the development, validation, optimization, and implementation of new metabolomics and lipidomics methods to expand the analytical capabilities of the Platform.
Supports stable isotope tracing and other specialized metabolomics experiments, including data processing and interpretation as appropriate.
Assists investigators with interpretation and visualization of metabolomics and lipidomics results and contributes to the preparation of publication-quality figures, reports, manuscripts, presentations, and other scientific documents.
Conducts literature reviews related to metabolomics, lipidomics, mass spectrometry, analytical methods, and biological interpretation of experimental findings.
Maintains organized sample records, experimental data, analytical results, and associated metadata and ensures appropriate storage and management of samples and data.
Works closely with the Metabolomics Platform Director to coordinate sample submissions, prioritize projects, schedule instrument usage, track project progress, and maintain efficient day-to-day workflow.
Interacts collaboratively with faculty investigators, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and other platform users to support successful completion of metabolomics and lipidomics projects.
Assists the Platform Director in evaluating and implementing emerging technologies, analytical methods, software tools, and workflows that advance the scientific and technical capabilities of the Metabolomics Platform.
Maintains laboratory supplies and consumables, monitors inventory, and assists with ordering reagents, columns, standards, and other materials required for platform operations.
Follows established laboratory safety procedures, quality-control practices, instrument operating procedures, and institutional policies.
Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
Performs other related work as needed.