Research Scientist - Zhang Lab

Description & Requirements

The Zhang Lab (zlab.bio) at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is seeking a Staff Scientist with deep expertise in proteomics and peptidomics to join our creative, diverse, and dynamic research team. This is a PhD-level position for someone who thrives on pushing the boundaries of what's possible - a scientist with the drive to lead projects from concept to execution, the creativity to develop novel approaches, and the track record to prove they can deliver.

The Zhang Lab is broadly focused on developing programmable therapeutics and working to improve human health and wellbeing. Central to this mission is our effort to interrogate the proteome, peptidome, and immunopeptidome - both to discover new bioactive molecules and to understand how therapeutic interventions and physiological changes reshape biology at the molecular level. We are looking for someone who will be a driving force in this work: a scientist who doesn't just run assays but builds them, who sees gaps in our capabilities and fills them, and who brings intellectual energy and rigor to everything they do.

The Staff Scientist will lead the development and optimization of quantitative and qualitative proteomic and peptidomic assays, including immunopeptidomic workflows, and will shape the direction of proteomics-driven research across the lab. This role demands a strong foundation in protein biology and chemistry, a sophisticated understanding of mass spectrometry-based approaches, and the initiative to identify new experimental directions and see them through.

The successful candidate will be both a hands-on scientist and a strategic thinker - someone who can independently advance multiple projects while also elevating the work of those around them through collaboration and mentorship.

Proficiency with common proteomics data analysis platforms (e.g., PEAKS, Frag Pipe, DIA-NN, Skyline) is expected, along with comfort handling large datasets and performing rigorous statistical analyses of proteomics results. Experience operating and maintaining LC-MS instrumentation is highly desirable. The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard provides an outstanding work environment characterized by diversity, innovation, and a strong commitment to work-life balance.

The Zhang Lab shares this mission, striving to foster a workplace culture that promotes diversity, intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and integrity. Our lab is a vibrant, fast-paced, collaborative environment where new ideas are welcomed and initiative is rewarded. Broad employees receive a generous benefits package - including a competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan, and additional benefits - as well as opportunities for career advancement.

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• Lead the design, development, and optimization of proteomic and peptidomic assays, including immunopeptidomic workflows, to support the lab's research goals
• Drive assay innovation - identify unmet analytical needs and build new approaches to address them
• Perform and oversee proteomic and peptidomic sample preparation across diverse biological contexts
• Operate and maintain LC-MS instrumentation; troubleshoot and optimize instrument performance
• Process, interpret, and integrate mass spectrometry data using specialized software (e.g., PEAKS, Frag Pipe, DIA-NN, Skyline)
• Design upstream experiments in collaboration with lab members to maximize the scientific value of proteomic and peptidomic data
• Contribute to research strategy through proactive scientific thinking, team discussion, and cross-project collaboration
• Mentor and support junior lab members in proteomics-related techniques and analysis

• Experience in molecular biology and protein chemistry, with a strong emphasis on mass spectrometry-based proteomics or peptidomics
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, optimize, and execute proteomic or peptidomic assays
• Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS instrumentation and workflows
• A track record of scientific productivity and innovation…