Rsch Pro 5-Biochemistry

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 84,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and time off

Tuition benefit program

Retirement plans

Healthcare plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota's Center for Metabolomics and Proteomics (CMSP) seeks an experienced Research Associate to develop and apply MS-based technologies for metabolomics studies. You will consult with CMSP users, lead method development for LC-MS/GC-MS, train users, and contribute to core facility operations.

This is a senior, 100% appointment within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Qualifications include a Master’s or PhD in biochemistry or analytical chemistry and hands-on

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s or PhD in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field with 1+ year of research training.
• Minimum 2 years of experience and publication record in biological MS, with hands-on LC-MS/GC-MS.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze samples using LC-MS or GC-MS per standard and customized protocols.
• Lead development, validation, and standardization of new sample prep and LC-MS/GC-MS methods.
• Meet with CMSP users to design experiments leveraging facility technologies.
• Assist in training, promotion and other CMSP operations.

Skills

Leadership

Training

Mentoring users

Education

Master's or PhD in biochemistry/analytical chemistry

Tools

LC-MS

GC-MS

Job description

About the Job

A position is available in the Center for Metabolomics and Proteomics (CMSP) at the University of Minnesota for an experienced research associate focusing on developing and applying MS-based technologies for metabolomics research studies. The CMSP (https://cmsp.umn.edu) is the main biological MS-based core facility on campus offering complete services in metabolomics and proteomics. This senior staff member will consult closely with users of the facility seeking to profile metabolites and/or other small molecule compounds of interest for their research projects, offering leadership in the use of technologies to achieve user research objectives. In some cases, this staff member will lead development of new instrumental methods and/or sample preparation methods necessary for detection of these molecules using high resolution LC-MS and/or GC-MS. Where appropriate, this staff member will train members of user labs in the preparation of samples and potentially generation of MS data for their projects. This staff member will also work with colleagues in the CMSP who are developing and applying targeted LC-MS methods for quantitative analysis of selected metabolites and small molecules. The research associate will also be expected to participate in CMSP training activities offered to users and assist in overall facility operations.

Anticipated responsibilities include:

• 60% Prepare and analyze samples using LC-MS or GC-MS instrumentation following standardized and customized protocols for metabolomic/small molecule analysis, and deliver processed results and reports to CMSP users


• 20% Lead in development, validation and standardization of new sample preparation and LC-MS or GC-MS methods


• 10% Meet with users of CMSP to design and plan experiments utilizing facility technologies


• 10% Assist in training, promotion and other activities essential to CMSP operations

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A Master\'s or PhD degree in biochemistry, analytical chemistry or closely related field is required with one or more years of research training. At least 2 years of experience and publication record in biological MS, with hands‑on experience in LC-MS and/or GC-MS operation.


• Demonstrated experience in discovery analysis of a broad range of small molecules and metabolites (e.g., amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, lipids etc) is required, as well as experience using and/or testing contemporary software for analysis of metabolite data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with non-MS expert biological researchers and applying technologies to biological studies are preferred, as is the ability to work within a team‑based environment.


• Prior experience working within a core research service facility is a plus, but not required.

About the Department

The department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics is committed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and cancer; developing novel strategies in biocatalysis and biotechnology; and advancing knowledge through structural biology and molecular biophysics. We organize ourselves into research divisions with emphasis on Chemical and Structural Biology, Metabolic and Systems Biology, Molecular Biology and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. We are housed in new buildings with state‑of‑the‑art research and support facilities.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $84,302 - 90,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off


• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program


• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans


• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts


• University HSA contributions


• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance


• Employee wellbeing program


• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity


• Financial counseling services


• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost


• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.