Senior Research Associate

Proxima • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Contract Senior Research Associate to join the NeoLink Platform team and drive execution of cross-linking mass spectrometry (XLMS) experiments that fuel Proxima's structural interactomics platform. This role will focus on running XLMS sample preparation and LC-MS workflows end-to-end, learning routine maintenance of our next-generation mass spectrometry instrumentation, and contributing to the scale-up of proteome-wide interaction mapping. You will work closely with proteomics scientists, computational biologists, and chemists to generate the proprietary XLMS data that trains Neo-1 and powers our drug discovery pipeline.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on industry experience in a drug discovery, proteomics, or analytical chemistry setting preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in mass spectrometry workflows, with hands-on LC-MS experience required
• Hands-on HPLC experience, including method setup, column selection and maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Protein purification experience (e.g., Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, ion exchange; AKTA or equivalent FPLC systems)
• Strong troubleshooting skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple experiments and timelines independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational skills with strong record keeping

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD in a relevant discipline (biochemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, structural biology)
• Prior experience with cross-linking mass spectrometry (XLMS) workflows
• Experience operating Orbitrap-class instruments (Astral, Exploris, Eclipse, or similar)
• Familiarity with proteomics data analysis tools (e.g., Scout, xiSEARCH, Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, Skyline)
• Experience with click chemistry enrichment and affinity-tag-based peptide capture
• Experience with automated sample preparation platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Opentrons)
• Familiarity with SEC fractionation, SP3 sample prep, or crosslinker chemistry optimization
• Prior biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience in a platform or drug discovery environment

Responsibilities

• Execute XLMS experiments end-to-end, including protein sample preparation, crosslinking reactions, and LC-MS data acquisition
• Operate and maintain HPLC and LC-MS systems; learn routine instrument maintenance including column installation, source cleaning, calibration, and system performance QC
• Perform protein expression and purification (bacterial and mammalian systems) to support XLMS substrate preparation
• Troubleshoot experimental and instrument issues and contribute to continuous improvement of sample preparation workflows
• Maintain accurate experimental records in the electronic lab notebook and adhere to strong documentation standards
• Support platform scale-up by writing and refining SOPs, training teammates, and identifying automation opportunities
• Collaborate closely with computational biologists, chemists, and other scientists to integrate XLMS data into structural biology and drug discovery workflows

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior