Postdoctoral Associate (Mass Spectrometry Imaging)

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB); Miami (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to lead development and application of mass spectrometry imaging technologies in translational cancer research.

The role focuses on steroid metabolism, tumor metabolism, and therapeutic resistance in prostate and genitourinary cancers, collaborating with an expert clinical urology team to translate spatial metabolomics into actionable biomarkers and therapies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field required.
• 2+ years of experience leading mass spectrometry-based projects with minimal oversight.
• Experience with MALDI-MSI instrumentation and data processing.
• Familiarity with on-tissue derivatization and matrix application strategies.
• Experience with sample preparation and extraction of small molecules.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new mass spectrometry technologies and protocols to improve system performance.
• Support research projects by ensuring the collection and analysis of high-quality data.
• Collaborate with researchers to integrate mass spectrometry data with other methods.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and results.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations of findings.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and conferences.
• Operate and calibrate mass spectrometry instruments and sample prep.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and data quality issues to ensure accuracy.

Skills

MALDI-MSI

On-tissue derivatization

Sample prep

Lipid analysis

Data visualization

MSI data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

Bruker timsTOF fleX

Job description

The Nima Sharifi Laboratory is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Associate to lead the development and application of innovative mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technologies for translational and clinical research. This position will focus on elucidating the roles of steroid metabolism, tumor metabolism, and therapeutic resistance in prostate and other genitourinary cancers. In close collaboration with principal investigators and an exceptional multidisciplinary clinical urology team, the successful candidate will advance the translation of spatial metabolomic discoveries into clinically actionable biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new mass spectrometry technologies and protocols to improve system performance and address analytical challenges.
• Support research projects by ensuring the collection and analysis of high-quality data.
• Collaborate with researchers, including chemists, biologists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians to integrate mass spectrometry data with other methods and experiments.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, summaries, and presentations of research findings for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate mass spectrometry instruments, including sample preparation and routine upkeep.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and data quality issues to ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Education

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or another relevant field required

Experience

• Ability to design and lead mass spectrometry-based projects with minimal oversight.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in a research or laboratory environment including:
  • Working knowledge of MALDI-MSI instrumentation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting (Experience with Bruker timsTOF fleX Preferred).
  • Knowledge of on-tissue derivatization, matrix application strategies, and extraction protocols
  • Hands-on experience with sample preparation and extraction of small molecules from various biological matrices.
  • Hands-on experience with different chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry methodologies for the analysis of lipids, steroid hormones, and other small molecules.
  • Experience with MSI data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization using platforms such as SCiLS Lab, FlexImaging, Cardinal, METASPACE, MSiReader, HDI, or similar software.