Research Specialist, Metabolomics - Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center
Listed on 2026-08-31
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Lab Tech / Assistant, Biotech Research, Research Assistant/Associate
Research Specialist, Metabolomics - Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center
This position requires in-person work on the Champaign-Urbana campus.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land‑grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.
The mission of the CBC is to provide comprehensive state‑of‑the‑art integrated omics analysis, research engagement, student training, and strategic workshops in the biomedical, life and natural sciences, agriculture, and engineering.
The Research Specialist will support targeted and untargeted metabolomics research projects for investigators across the university and external collaborators and will perform biological sample preparation, support LC-MS/MS analyses, assist with laboratory operations, and contribute to the successful completion of metabolomics projects involving a wide variety of biological and environmental sample types. This position requires strong laboratory skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt sample preparation and analytical workflows to meet project‑specific requirements.
This position will work closely with core facility scientific staff to ensure high‑quality analytical results and efficient operation of the metabolomics facility.
- Laboratory Sample Processing:
- Prepare biological and environmental samples for metabolomics analysis.
- Perform metabolite extractions from tissues, cells, plasma, serum, urine, microbial cultures, plant materials, and other complex sample matrices.
- Prepare calibration standards, internal standards, blanks, and quality control samples.
- Perform sample concentration, cleanup, and purification procedures as needed, including solvent evaporation and solid‑phase extraction techniques.
- Organize and prepare analytical sample batches for LC‑MS/MS analysis.
- LC‑MS/MS Analysis:
- Operate LC‑MS/MS instrumentation for targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses.
- Prepare analytical sequences and verify instrument readiness prior to sample analysis.
- Monitor instrument performance and analytical quality during project execution.
- Assist with routine instrument maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
- Review quality control samples and analytical performance metrics to ensure data quality.
- Facility Operations:
- Maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables.
- Maintain required laboratory safety training and adhere to university safety policies and procedures.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and efficient laboratory environment.
- Project Support:
- Work closely with senior scientific staff to implement analytical approaches appropriate for individual projects.
- Adjust extraction procedures, dilution factors, calibration ranges, and quality control strategies based on sample characteristics and anticipated analyte concentrations.
- Assist with planning and execution of metabolomics projects to ensure timely completion of analyses.
- Communicate effectively with facility personnel regarding project requirements and laboratory progress.
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related scientific field.
- A minimum of one year of relevant laboratory experience involving biological sample preparation, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, or a related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered if accompanied by relevant experience.
- Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS/MS instrumentation.
- Experience with metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics,…
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