Scientist (Mass Spectrometry Imaging)

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is seeking an accomplished Scientist to lead innovative mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) capabilities, focusing on cancer research. This role involves developing advanced analytical methodologies to elucidate tumor metabolism and therapeutic resistance.

Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience, preferably in mass spectrometry. The position emphasizes collaboration with urology teams to translate metabolomic findings into actionable biomarkers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a relevant field related to analytical chemistry.
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience required, 10 years preferred.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in mass spectrometry or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new mass spectrometry technologies.
• Establish standardized workflows for high-quality spatial metabolomics data.
• Provide mentorship and training in MSI technologies.

Skills

Mass spectrometry technologies

Analytical chemistry

Biochemistry

MALDI-MSI experience

Data processing and visualization

Education

Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry or relevant field

Tools

SCiLS Lab

Bruker timsTOF fleX

MALDI-MSI

Job description

The Nima Sharifi Laboratory is seeking to recruit an accomplished Scientist to establish, lead, and expand innovative mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) capabilities supporting translational and clinical research initiatives. 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.

Core Job Functions

• Develop and validate new mass spectrometry technologies and protocols to improve system performance and address analytical challenges.
• Establish standardized workflows and quality-control procedures to ensure reproducible, high-quality spatial metabolomics data.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to laboratory personnel and trainees utilizing MSI technologies.
• 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.

Core Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry or another relevant field required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience required; 10 years preferred.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations in mass spectrometry, MSI, metabolomics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to independently establish new methodologies and expand analytical capabilities in a collaborative research environment.
• Experience with MALDI-MSI, trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) workflows, and multidimensional MSI datasets. Experience with the Bruker timsTOF fleX platform is strongly preferred.
• Experience with various on-tissue derivatization, matrix application strategies, and extraction protocols.
• Experience analyzing small molecules, lipids, and/or steroid hormones from biological specimens.
• Experience with MSI data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization using platforms such as SCiLS Lab, FlexImaging, Cardinal, METASPACE, MSiReader, HDI, or similar software.