Research Associate - MALDI Imaging

BPGbio, Inc.; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

BPGbio, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Research Associate to support development and execution of MALDI imaging workflows across oncology, neurology, and related areas.

You will handle tissues, prepare slides, and assist with MALDI-MSI data acquisition to generate spatial omics data for biomarker discovery. This hands-on role emphasizes collaboration with scientists, strict adherence to SOPs, data quality checks, and timely presentation of updates to project teams.

Qualifications

• Requires a B.S. (0-2 years) or M.S. (with 0-1 years) in a relevant field with 1-2 years of lab experience.
• Hands-on experience with tissue handling, cryosectioning, histological workflows, or mass spectrometry sample preparation preferred.
• Familiarity with MALDI mass spectrometry, imaging techniques, or matrix application methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine sample preparation for MALDI imaging, including tissue cryosectioning, slide preparation, matrix application, and on-tissue treatments.
• Assist with MALDI-MSI data acquisition, including instrument setup, calibration, sample acquisition monitoring, and documentation.
• Support qualitative and quantitative MALDI imaging studies by preparing samples, organizing datasets, and performing basic data quality checks.
• Work collaboratively with scientists in oncology, neurology, and analytical chemistry to help execute imaging workflows and maintain consistency across internal studies.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment logs, and adherence to SOPs to ensure high-quality imaging data generation.
• Present experimental updates or data summaries to project teams when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tissue handling

Cryosectioning

Mass spectrometry

MALDI imaging

Data analysis

SOP adherence

Team collaboration

Education

B.S./M.S. in Biochemistry/Neuroscience/Biomedical Engineering or related

Tools

MALDI instruments

Data analysis tools

Job description

Please keep in mind - salary range / pay is factored on years of direct work experience and education.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The highly motivated Research Associate will support the development and execution of MALDI imaging workflows to advance research in rare diseases, mitochondrial biology, oncology, neurology, and related therapeutic areas. This role is hands-on and focused on tissue handling, sample preparation, slide processing, and assisting with MALDI-MSI data acquisition. The Research Associate will help generate high-quality spatial omics data that contribute to biomarker discovery and mechanistic insights across multiple internal programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform routine sample preparation for MALDI imaging, including tissue cryosectioning, slide preparation, matrix application, and on-tissue treatments.
• Assist with MALDI-MSI data acquisition, including instrument setup, calibration, sample acquisition monitoring, and documentation.
• Support qualitative and quantitative MALDI imaging studies by preparing samples, organizing datasets, and performing basic data quality checks.
• Work collaboratively with scientists in oncology, neurology, and analytical chemistry to help execute imaging workflows and maintain consistency across internal studies.
• Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment logs, and adherence to SOPs to ensure high-quality imaging data generation.
• Present experimental updates or data summaries to project teams when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Requires a B.S. (0-2 years of experience) or M.S. (with 0-1 years of experience) Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or related field with 1-2 years of prior laboratory experience required.
• Hands-on experience with tissue handling, cryosectioning, histological workflows, or mass spectrometry sample preparation is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with MALDI mass spectrometry, imaging techniques, or matrix application methods is a plus.
• Experience working with large datasets, imaging data, or data integration tools is preferred (e.g., spatial omics platforms, visualization tools, or basic scripting).
• Foundational understanding of metabolic pathways, lipidomics, or small-molecule analysis relevant to oncology and neurology is advantageous but not required.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs, manage samples carefully, and document experiments accurately.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques, troubleshoot basic lab procedures, and contribute to a fast-paced research environment.