Mass Spectrometry Scientist

Parallel Squared Technology Institute (PTI) is a non-profit research institute aiming to catalyze a leap in protein analysis technology and use it to explore new biological frontiers. PTI supports open research and educational opportunities supporting rapid career development for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Why? Protein dysfunctions directly cause many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, proteins remain understudied because of technological hurdles.

How? To resolve these limitations, PTI will develop mass tags enabling a new framework for multiplexed protein analysis by mass spectrometry towards achieving 100-fold increase in throughput. Scientists at and collaborating with the institute will use these gains to directly investigate disease mechanisms and resolve problems that have proven intractable for decades. Our proof of principle technology and strategies are outlined at: parallel sq.org.

PTI’s new approach requires synergy between a diverse team of chemists, machine learning engineers, biologists, and mass spectrometrists. Alzheimer’s disease and aging will be among the first focuses of this technology-driven research organization.

New career opportunities Members of PTI will be supported with industry-level resources to lead research projects and disseminate their discoveries and innovations to the broader biomedical community through frequent publications, presentations, and submissions to public data portals.

Summary of Position We are looking for an experienced Mass Spectrometry Scientist who will be working on maintaining MS instruments for running multitudes of samples for a variety of projects in addition to other responsibilities such as advancing and executing hypothesis‑driven experiments. In order to be seriously considered for this position, we require a cover letter as part of the candidate’s application.

• Setup, operate, and maintain (i.e., vent and clean) mass spectrometers from multiple major vendors (Thermo, Bruker, Sciex, etc.).
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results for internal and public presentation.
• Train team members to use instruments independently.
• Design relevant proteomic experiments.
• Perform protein sample preparation.
• Prepare lab reagents and media.
• Inventory management and preparation of reagents and samples.
• Communicate with purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with various vendors.
• May manage MTAs, software licenses, service contracts, and other documentation.

• Masters or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry.
• 5+ years of experience maintaining mass spectrometers.
• Demonstrated experience optimizing LC‑MS/MS methods for bottom‑up proteomics (e.g., DDA/DIA/prioritized approaches).
• Demonstrated mastery of chemistry techniques or molecular & cellular biology techniques.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm & interest in bioanalytical chemistry.
• High level of initiative and flexibility, excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and good time management skills.

• Experience with mass spectrometry technological development (hardware or software).
• Proficiency with statistical and computational methods (e.g., coding in Python/R).

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance with many $0 premium options for you and your family with several national and regional providers. Most employees have more than 20 plan options to choose from.
• Company‑paid group life, AD&D, long‑ and short‑term disability insurance.
• 15 days PTO + 10 sick days per year.
• 18 company holidays + your birthday off.
• $5,000 per year educational reimbursement.
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• Industry competitive salary.

$86,000 - $119,000 a year

We aim to help fill a structural gap in today's R&D system. We enable fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination yet is not rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high‑impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender‑identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy.

We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.