Research Technician III – Mass Spectrometry

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 54,230 - 67,180; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Continuous learning opportunities

Collaborative and innovative work environment

Job summary

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Ashburn, VA, is looking for a Research Technician specializing in metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. The role involves executing sample preparation and operating advanced LC-MS/MS systems. The successful candidate will collaborate across various research projects and maintain detailed records of experimental procedures.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 4 years of hands-on experience with mass spectrometry. HHMI offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of hands-on experience in metabolomics, lipidomics, or proteomics.
• Proficiency in mass spectrometer software and data analysis tools.
• Comfortable in a shared resource environment and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample preparations including biomolecule extractions and LC fractionation.
• Operate and maintain mass spectrometry instruments onsite.
• Assist in the daily operation of the mass spectrometry lab.

Skills

Metabolomics

Lipidomics

Proteomics

LC‑MS/MS operation

Data analysis software

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Thermo Xcalibur

Compound Discoverer

LipidSearch

MS-DIAL

Job description

Primary Work Address

19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147

About the role

We are seeking a motivated Research Technician with experience in metabolomics, lipidomics, and/or proteomics to join the mass spectrometry shared resource. The successful candidate will play a key role executing sample preparation and operating LC‑MS/MS systems, serving as a trusted technical resource across a variety of labs and research projects at different stages. We also consider Research Specialist level candidates.

What we provide

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits
• A continuous learning environment with opportunities to deepen your technical expertise and expand your scientific knowledge
• A collaborative and innovative work environment that enables you to provide technical expertise directly supporting scientific breakthroughs

What you’ll do

• Perform sample preparation, including biomolecule extractions, isotope labeling, protein digestions, LC fractionation, SPE cleanup, and related purifications
• Operate and maintain state‑of‑the‑art mass spectrometry instruments onsite
• Assist in daily operation of the mass spectrometry lab, reporting QC assessments of instrument performance, maintaining laboratory workstations, and other related duties
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental procedures and data analysis results; assist in identifying and troubleshooting unexpected results
• Proactively contribute to the optimization and validation of metabolomics, lipidomics, and/or proteomics protocols and methodologies
• Train junior laboratory personnel on proper techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a closely related field (Master’s degree or higher preferred)
• At least 4years of hands‑on experience performing metabolomic, lipidomic, or proteomic sample preparations and operating or maintaining LC‑MS/MS systems; for a Master’s candidate, at least 2years is acceptable
• Proficiency in mass spectrometer operating software (e.g., Thermo Xcalibur)
• Experience with data analysis software such as Compound Discoverer, LipidSearch, MS‑DIAl, Skyline, Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, DIA‑NN, or FragPipe
• Comfortable operating in a shared resource environment, balancing the needs of multiple research groups while remaining responsive and adaptable
• Highly organized with strong written and verbal communication skills, sharp attention to detail, and a dependable, team‑oriented work style

Physical Requirements

Remain in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reach and grasp by extending hand(s) or arm(s); manipulate objects with fingers; communicate verbally; see and hear within normal parameters; move about the workspace; handle materials weighing up to several pounds (e.g., a laptop or tablet). Work may involve exposure to malodorous vapors, low‑dose radiation, toxic chemicals, acids, and carcinogenic substances. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated individually.

Compensation Range

Research Technician III: $54,230.00 (minimum) – $67,800.00 (midpoint) – $88,110.00 (maximum)
Research Specialist I: $70,290.00 (minimum) – $87,800.00 (midpoint) – $114,180.00 (maximum)
Pay Type: Salary – typically compensated between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis. All information provided will be kept confidential and used only to provide needed accommodations. Applicants have rights under federal employment laws.