Senior Research Technologist; Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics

Overview

Senior Research Technologist – Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics role at the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IA ) within Charles R. Drew University. The position combines hands-on mass spectrometry proteomics work with scientific leadership, including experimental design, method development, training, data interpretation, and oversight of state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS instrumentation. The incumbent will contribute to publications and external funding efforts and serve as a core proteomics resource across research teams.

• Develops standard operating protocols and manages overall function for CDU research labs and Core labs.
• Implement a new laboratory management system (Agilent iLab) for all specialized equipment, see equipment list below.
• Design, plan, and independently conduct proteomics and mass spectrometry experiments, including protein/peptide preparation, quantitative proteomics (e.g., SILAC, TMT, iTRAQ), and targeted or discovery-based workflows.
• Develop and optimize new methodologies for protein/peptide separation, enrichment, and analysis.
• Collaborate with PIs and investigators to shape experimental design and align proteomic approaches with research objectives.
• Operate, maintain, and oversee mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., Orbitrap, tims
  
  TOF, Q-TOF, ion-trap) and associated LC systems.
• Lead the development and implementation of SOPs for proteomics workflows.
• Monitor system performance, conduct troubleshooting, and ensure rigorous quality control.
• Analyze and interpret proteomics datasets, collaborating with bioinformatics teams to ensure robust data pipelines.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals with high-level scientific input.
• Serve as an institutional resource for proteomics expertise, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations.
• Train and mentor junior scientists, technicians, students, and postdocs in proteomics methods and mass spectrometry operation.
• Provide guidance on study design, experimental troubleshooting, and data analysis strategies.
• Promote a collaborative, team-based research culture.
• Supervise daily proteomics operations, including scheduling of instrument time, reagent management, and vendor interactions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, biosafety, and chemical handling regulations.
• Implement a new laboratory management system (Agilent iLab) for all specialized equipment, see equipment list below.

• Next Generation Sequencing Core
• Illumina Nextseq 550
• Ion Torrent S5
• 10x Genomics Chromium IX
• Bio Rad digital PCR Instrument
• Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core
• Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC
• Agilent LCMS 6495B
• OpenSPR and benchtop NMR
• Exosome and Micro
  
  RNA Core
• Nanosight NS300
• Thermofisher WX90 Ultracentrifuge
• Flow Cytometry and Microscopy Core
• Attune NXT Flow Cytometry
• BD Melody Cell Sorter
• Muse Cell Analyzer
• Confocal Microscope Systems with Lasers-TCS SPEII
• Cytation 1 Live Imager
• Zeiss PALM Microbeam Lase Microdissection

• Develop a business model for Laboratory Research Operation
• Develop external user contacts for the core Services.
• Availability to work on weekends and evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
• Oversee Laboratory staff, including research assistants and technicians.
• Work with CDU Facility management, security, and departments.

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Proteomics, or a related field with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience, OR
• Master’s degree with 5+ years of proteomics/mass spectrometry experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of advanced proteomics experience.

• Expertise in LC-MS/MS workflows for proteomics, including quantitative and label-free approaches.
• Proficiency with data analysis platforms (e.g., Max Quant, Proteome Discoverer, Skyline, Spectronaut).
• Familiarity with metabolomics, lipidomics, or multi-omics integration is desirable.
• Strong record of troubleshooting, innovation, and method development.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate across diverse research teams.
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Proven mentoring, leadership, and project management experience.

• $107,000 - $137,000 Annual

• Full Time, Exempt

• Laboratory-based role requiring regular use of high-end mass spectrometry platforms and handling of biological and chemical materials.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evenings or weekends to accommodate instrument scheduling and project needs.
• Provides scientific and technical leadership for laboratory staff, collaborators, and junior researchers.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing…