Associate Scientist

Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research seeks an experienced Scientist to join the Systems Mass Spectrometry Technology Center, advancing native and top-down proteomics workflows across diverse programs. The role focuses on experimental and analytical expertise, collaboration with researchers, and leading data analysis for complex proteoform studies.

The candidate will operate and develop cutting-edge MS methods, consult on experimental design, and train users in native/top-down approaches

Qualifications

• Masters is the minimal degree, PhD preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Proteomics or related field.
• Hands-on experience with native and/or top-down mass spectrometry of proteins and protein complexes.
• Strong background in high-resolution MS instrumentation and protein-level separations (LC/CE).
• Proven proteomics data analysis expertise including intact mass deconvolution and proteoform assignment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize native and top-down proteomics experiments.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-resolution mass spectrometers for native/top-down workflows.
• Develop sample prep, separation, and MS acquisition methods to preserve proteoforms.
• Perform advanced data analysis and interpretation of proteoform datasets.

Skills

native top-down MS

high-resolution MS

proteomics data analysis

sample preparation

data interpretation

Education

Master's degree minimum

PhD preferred

Tools

ProSight

TDPortal

TopPIC

BioPharma Finder

UniDec

Job description

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research seeks an experienced and highly motivated Scientist to join the Systems Mass Spectrometry Technology Center. This individual will play a central role in supporting and advancing native and top-down proteomics workflows, providing experimental and analytical expertise to investigators across diverse biological and biomedical research programs. The successful candidate will operate and develop cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods, collaborate closely with researchers, and lead data analysis for complex proteoform-level studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize native and top-down proteomics experiments, including intact protein and protein-complex analysis.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g., Orbitrap, Thermo Ascend) used for native and top-down workflows.
• Develop and refine sample preparation, separation, and MS acquisition methods to preserve non-covalent interactions and proteoform integrity.
• Perform advanced data analysis and interpretation of native and top-down proteomics datasets, including charge-state deconvolution, proteoform identification, and complex stoichiometry determination.
• Utilize and, where appropriate, develop computational pipelines using tools such as ProSight, TDPortal, TopPIC, BioPharma Finder, UniDec, or similar platforms.
• Consult with investigators on experimental design, feasibility, and best practices for native and top-down proteomics studies.
• Prepare written reports, figures, and summaries for users and collaborators, and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications.
• Train and mentor facility users including graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and junior staff in native and top-down proteomics techniques and data interpretation.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, quality control, and data management standards within the core facility.

Required Qualifications

• Masters is minimal. PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Proteomics, Bioanalytical Chemistry, or a related field is strongly preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with native and/or top-down mass spectrometry of proteins and protein complexes.
• Strong background in high-resolution MS instrumentation and protein-level separations (e.g., LC, CE, or offline fractionation).
• Proven expertise in proteomics data analysis, including intact mass deconvolution, proteoform assignment, and confident biological interpretation.
• Experience working in a shared-resource or collaborative research environment.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in native, top-down, or intact-protein mass spectrometry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) or ion mobility separations.
• Familiarity with scripting (Python or R) for custom data analysis and pipeline development.
• Prior experience training and mentoring scientific users in a core-facility setting.