Assistant Researcher Senior

The University of Kansas - Staff; Cobalt; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Research Senior to join its Mass Spectrometry and Analytical Proteomics Laboratory. The role requires managing hybrid mass spectrometers and engaging in data analysis, sample preparation, and experimental documentation. Candidates must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree, along with experience in analytical techniques and effective communication skills. This position offers a salary range of $40,000 - $55,000 based on education and experience, along with a thorough application process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of additional experience in the field.
• Experience in analytical techniques for biochemistry or chemistry.
• Experience troubleshooting experiments/instruments.
• Experience with data analysis.
• Experience documenting procedures using safe lab practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate high resolution hybrid mass spectrometers.
• Utilize software for quantitation and data analysis.
• Implement and optimize sample preparation strategies.
• Conduct instrument maintenance and quality control.
• Train clients on data analysis lab software and instrumentation.

Skills

Analytical techniques for biochemistry

Data analysis

Mass spectrometry

Sample preparation for omics analysis

Effective written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Position Overview

The Mass Spectrometry and Analytical Proteomics Laboratory (MSAPL Core) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced person to join the MSAPL core.

The Assistant Research Senior is a research resource/collaborator in the utilization of the techniques and instrumentation of mass spectrometry in the analysis of proteins and protein mixtures, small molecule analysis. This scientist operates high resolution hybrid mass spectrometers in-line with liquid chromatography (LC devices). Instruments include the following

• Thermo Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid Mass Spectrometer equipped with nano-LC system
• ACQUITY Premier/Xevo G3 system-time-of-flight mass spectrometer equipped with Acquity premier UPLC pump
• Thermo Q Exactive HF hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer with Vanquish UPLC
• Thermo TSQ Altis Plus Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer with Vanquish UPLC
• Waters LCT Premier Mass Spectrometer
• Waters Quattro Micro-GC Mass Spectrometer

In addition, basic understanding of mass spectrometry technology and utilization of software, searching and general data analysis are required. Implementing and optimizing sample preparation strategies for omics analysis are required. In addition to conducting experiments, this person participates in report writing and providing results and data to collaborators/clients. Training clients in data analysis, lab software and instrumentation is on as needed basis. In addition to scientific duties responsibilities for this position include instrument maintenance and scheduling, performance quality control, data storage and retrieval, billing for services rendered, supply ordering, interfacing with instrument suppliers, engineers and university support personnel.

Job Description

• 30% – This scientist operates high resolution hybrid mass spectrometers and associated high performance separation devices.
• 20% – Utilization of software for quantitation, searching and general data analysis.
• 20% – Implementing and optimizing sample preparation strategies for omics analysis.
• 15% – Instrument maintenance and scheduling, performance quality control, data storage and retrieval, billing for services rendered, supply ordering, interfacing with instrument suppliers, engineers and university support personnel.
• 10% – Conducting experiments and documentation, including report writing.
• 5% – Training clients on data analysis lab software and instrumentation on an as needed basis.

Position Requirements

Physical Requirements (with or without accommodation):

• Standing or walking for more than a combined total of four hours/day to do bench work in various labs.
• Lifting of up to 20 pounds, with frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 pounds of lab supplies.
• Use of both hands to perform experiments in the lab.
• Sitting for six hours out of an eight-hour workday while completing analysis.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of additional experience in the field/area of research.
2. Two (2) years of experience in analytical techniques for biochemistry or chemistry.
3. One (1) year of experience troubleshooting experiments/instruments.
4. One (1) year of experience with data analysis.
5. Two (2) years of experience documenting and following procedures while utilizing safe laboratory practices.
6. Effective written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in sample preparation for omics analysis by mass spectrometry as evidenced by application materials.
2. Experience in Mass Spectrometry as evidenced by application materials.
3. Experience with software tools, especially search engines as evidenced by application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Anita Saraf
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Additional Candidate Instruction

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.
• List of three (3) professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, January 5th 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Advertised Salary Range

$40,000 - $55,000 based on education and experience

Application Review Begins

05-Jan-2026

Anticipated Start Date

09-Mar-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg/Temp

Regular

FLSA Status

Nonexempt

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

M-F, 8 AM-5 PM

Job Family

Research-KUL

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.