Research Associate – Pirrotte Laboratory

TGen; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

TGen, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, seeks a Research Associate to support wet-lab operations and mass spectrometry workflows within a collaborative, translational research environment. You will assist with sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, data handling, and documentation, contributing to method development and quality control in a rigorous laboratory setting on-site.

The role emphasizes meticulous record-keeping, adherence to SOPs, and teamwork with scientists across projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated lab experience through academic, research, internship, or professional work.
• Experience with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or protein lab techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Ability to follow protocols and communicate unexpected results.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Process biological specimens for LC-MS/MS analysis and related workflows.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain high-resolution mass spectrometers and UHPLC systems.
• Assist in developing and optimizing proteomics/metabolomics methods and QC protocols.
• Maintain notebooks, SOPs, and inventory; manage samples and storage.
• Summarize findings, generate technical reports, and present data in meetings.

Skills

Wet-lab skills

LC-MS operation

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related

Tools

Tecan liquid handling

UHPLC systems

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Position Summary

TGen, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, a part of City of Hope, is an Arizona-based, nonprofit medical research institute dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. We work to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, infectious disease, and rare childhood disorders. By identifying treatment options in this manner, we believe medicine becomes more rational, more precise and, well, more personal.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our team. The successful candidate will support primarily wet-lab operations, instrument handling, and multi-omic data analysis in a collaborative, translational research environment, with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample Preparation & Processing:
  • Process biological specimens (plasma, CSF, tissues, cellular lysates) for LC-MS/MS analysis, including protein extraction, protein estimation (e.g., BCA, Bradford), SDS-PAGE, and enzymatic digestion, enrichment, and cleanup techniques (e.g., SPE, S-Trap, SP3).
  • Perform metabolite and lipid extraction using solvent-based methods, along with for metabolomics and lipidomics, and quantitative analytical workflows.
  • Operate liquid handling robotics (e.g., Tecan) for automated sample processing, training provided for candidates without prior experience.
  • Familiarity with DNA and RNA isolation, PCR amplification and sequencing.
• LC-MS Operation & Maintenance:
  • Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g., QQQ) and UHPLC chromatographic systems.
  • Assist in raw data handling, data integration and report preparation.
  • Prior LC-MS experience preferred but not required for motivated candidates willing to learn.
• Method Development & Quality Control:
  • Assist in developing and optimizing targeted (SRM/PRM) and discovery (DDA/DIA) proteomics/metabolomics methods. Execute standard quality control protocols to ensure data reproducibility.
• Laboratory Management & Documentation:
  • Maintain organized laboratory notebooks and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Manage chemical and LC-MS consumable inventory, including ordering and stock tracking.
  • Oversee sample inventory and long-term storage, including sample intake, tracking, freezer logs, and organization.
  • Ensure overall wet-lab organization and compliance with lab safety guidelines.
• Collaborative Research:
  • Summarize findings, generate technical reports, and present data in internal lab meetings and collaborative discussions.

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience through academic, research, internship, or professional experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology, biochemistry, or protein laboratory techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
• Ability to follow established protocols while recognizing and communicating unexpected results or issues.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Ability to work on-site in a laboratory environment and perform routine laboratory activities.