Metabolomics Core Team Lead

DepartmentBSD DFI - Metabolomics About the Department The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) was established in 2017 with the goal of enhancing human health by investigating the microbiome and its impact on the immune system. The microbiome consists of complex populations of microbes that can be characterized using a multi-omic approach. In the DFI Microbiome Metabolomics facility (DFIMM), we use mass spectrometry-based methods to analyze metabolites with targeted and untargeted methods.

We aim to support the understanding of how these molecules function in microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions. Scientists in the DFI metabolomics laboratory work as a team to analyze DFI, UChicago laboratories and external laboratory projects.

Job Summary The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.

We seek a Metabolomics Core Team Lead for the Duchossois Family Institute Microbiome Metabolomics (DFIMM) facility at the University of Chicago. This individual would have a leadership position within the DFI, reporting to the DFI Metabolomics Director, and with their primary role managing the day-to-day metabolomics core workflow for targeted metabolomic projects and long-term quality control processes. Routinely this role requires project status management, sample processing, instrumentation assessment and maintenance, laboratory safety assessment, waste management, and routine maintenance on other equipment.

Additionally, the role will be responsible for data analysis and data quality control from gas chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC- and LC-MS) instrumentation for targeted metabolomic projects. Long-term, this role is responsible for assessing and working with the Director to ensure high quality control on all targeted and untargeted metabolomic projects.

Responsibilities Manage daily maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment and instruments, including chromatography systems, mass spectrometers, liquid handlers, freezers, refrigerators, scales, water purifiers, and tube writers.

Oversee both short-term and long-term procurement of laboratory supplies, such as authentic standards, solvents, and columns.

Develop, implement, and maintain waste management plans for reagents, solvents, and other laboratory materials.

Prepare and validate extraction solvents for use in targeted and untargeted analytical pipelines.

Audit the project submission pipeline (LIMS) and collaborate with the Platform Director to prioritize and schedule project analyses.

Perform analysis of quantitative and normalized relative abundance data for targeted projects using GC and LC-based methodologies.

Provide supervisory leadership, including training and mentoring laboratory staff, assisting in the development of laboratory policies and procedures, and conducting risk assessments and risk management.

Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.

Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

- Preferred Qualifications

Education:

College degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, biology, or related field.

Experience:

Experienced in managing LC-MS instrumentation.

Successfully led targeted and/or untargeted data analysis projects.

Proficient in developing quantitative measurements of small molecules using liquid and gas chromatography-coupled to mass spectrometers.

Skilled in designing and executing targeted metabolomic analyses utilizing mass spectrometry.

Experienced in troubleshooting LC/GC-MS systems to ensure optimal performance and data quality.

Familiar with supporting infrastructure, including nitrogen generators, LIMS system, and liquid…