Staff Scientist

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Paulovich Lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center seeks a highly motivated, experienced Staff Scientist to lead proteomic workflows for clinical precision oncology in a CLIA/CAP environment. The interdisciplinary lab develops and implements protein-quantification tools to support precision medicine, patient selection, and characterization of therapeutic targets. Its work centers on mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including targeted and untargeted methods, and integration of proteomic and genomic data. This senior, hands-on role contributes to clinical and translational projects involving proteomics, diagnostics, and patient care. The Staff Scientist operates and troubleshoots LC-MS/MS instruments, prepares samples, and works collaboratively with scientists, statisticians, and clinicians. The role also supports quality-controlled laboratory operations, research communication, and publication of scientific results.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Protein Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
Previous experience maintaining and operating mass spectrometry and HPLC instruments to generate proteomic data, especially using targeted MRM and/or PRM techniques.
Experience with mass spectrometry data-analysis tools such as Skyline and R.
Experience with quality control and processing of human and animal biospecimens, including biofluids, PBMCs, FFPE and flash-frozen tissues, and cell lines.
Experience with protein extraction and sample preparation for quantitative proteomics, including enzymatic digestion, stable isotope dilution, and calibration.
Experience with antibodies and peptide standards, including immunoaffinity purification, immobilization on solid supports, and sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
Experience operating and programming liquid-handling robots, including proficiency with Python and/or R.
Ability to perform traditional biochemistry experiments using human and animal biospecimens and cell lines.
Exceptional attention to detail, including adherence to SOPs and accurate recordkeeping in a CLIA/CAP-regulated environment.
Strong work ethic and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
Ability to meet deadlines and achieve quarterly objectives in a milestone-driven research environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
Willingness and ability to learn new techniques and technologies.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Strong publication record.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a CLIA/CAP or other regulated environment.
Previous experience with Thermo mass spectrometry instruments, such as Astral or Stellar.
Previous experience with data-independent acquisition (DIA) and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) mass spectrometry techniques.
Previous experience with discovery mass spectrometry data-analysis tools such as Proteome Discoverer, Fragpipe, or DIANN.

Responsibilities

Process proteomic samples for mass spectrometry analysis, including protein extraction, fractionation, immuno-depletion, trypsin digestion, alkylation, and reduction.
Assist with generation and analysis of mass spectrometry-based proteomic data, especially targeted methods such as parallel reaction monitoring (PRM).
Follow and develop standard operating protocols (SOPs) in a CLIA/CAP laboratory environment, including participation in annual competency and proficiency testing.
Work with antibodies, including crosslinking, purification, immunoaffinity purification, immobilization on solid supports, and ELISAs.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team spanning medicine, biology, analytical chemistry, and statistics.
Design and present PowerPoint presentations of results to colleagues and collaborators.
Maintain laboratory equipment, records, research result files, and databases.
Write progress reports and develop SOPs.
Write and co-author scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
Perform other duties as required.