Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Mass Spectrometry

Biohaven; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Biohaven in Cambridge, MA is seeking a contract-to-hire Scientist/Sr. Scientist to build and elevate our Mass Spectrometry group. This is a hands-on, on-site role shaping bioanalytical strategy for discovery programs, with a focus on targeted degradation and next-generation biologics.

The ideal candidate will lead LC-MS/MS and protein analysis, mentor junior scientists, and drive method development, validation, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced, growth-oriented team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical sciences with impact.
• Experience with mass spectrometry analysis of proteins and peptides (Sciex QTRAP, Q-TOF, Thermo Orbitrap Fusion/Lumos, QQQ with MRM).
• Experience leading bioanalytical method development and validation of large molecule analytes.
• Intact and subunit protein mass spectrometry analysis, including monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins.
• Hands-on chromatography: RP-HPLC, SEC, HILIC, nanoLC, microLC.
• Hands-on wet lab sample prep: SPE, IP, LLE.
• Own and troubleshoot mass spectrometry instrumentation with vendor collaboration to ensure uptime.
• Strong scientific judgment, organizational skills, attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on lab work: prepare samples, run chromatography and MS experiments, generate data for program decisions.
• Develop and validate LC-MS/MS and IP assays for biomarkers, proteins, peptides, cytokines, and metabolites.
• Architect and execute workflows for peptide mapping, PTM, disulfide mapping, and glycosylation analyses.
• Develop and test novel bioanalytical methods for high MW and highly glycosylated proteins.
• Set goals and timelines for bioanalysis across cross-functional project teams.
• Lead advanced data processing across vendor software platforms; evaluate new tools.
• Operate and troubleshoot key analytical instrumentation; partner with vendors to expand uptime.
• Author technical reports, SOPs, and electronic notebook records.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute scientific leadership.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Bioanalysis

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry or related field

Tools

QTRAP

Q-TOF

Orbitrap Fusion/Lumos

MRM

RP-HPLC

SEC

HILIC

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated contract-to-hire Scientist/Sr. Scientist to help build out and elevate our Mass Spectrometry group. This is a hands‑on, laboratory-based role based on site in Cambridge. It is not a support role. The successful candidate will be a key scientific contributor who shapes bioanalytical strategy for discovery‑stage programs, with a particular focus on targeted protein degradation and next generation biologic therapeutics.

The ideal candidate brings deep, hands‑on expertise in mass spec‑based bioanalysis, protein and peptide characterization, and analytical assay development, and is motivated to expand what the group can do, introducing new platforms, workflows, and technical capabilities that grow our capacity and scientific reach.

This is a highly visible, cross‑functional role with direct influence over the direction of the research and development pipeline and the long‑term growth of the Mass Spectrometry group. Success in this position requires a scientist who is energized by hands‑on laboratory work and who pairs it with scientific leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work hands‑on in the laboratory: prepare samples (SPE, IP, LLE), run chromatography and mass spectrometry experiments, and generate the data that drives program decisions
• Drive the hands‑on development, optimization, and fit‑for‑purpose validation of LC‑MS/MS and IP (hybrid ligand binding) assays for quantification of biomarkers, proteins, peptides, cytokines, and metabolites, expanding the group's assay portfolio
• Architect, lead, and personally execute laboratory workflows for peptide mapping, post‑translational modification (PTM) analysis, disulfide bond mapping, and glycosylation analysis, establishing new technical capabilities for the group
• Develop and test novel, fit‑for‑purpose bioanalytical methods for proteins with complex attributes (e.g., high MW, high glycosylation, unexpected MWs), applying and advancing enzymatic digestion strategies to push the group's analytical capabilities forward
• Set goals, timelines, and priorities for bioanalysis across cross‑functional project teams, serving as the Mass Spectrometry group's scientific voice and representative
• Lead advanced data processing and statistical analysis across multiple vendor software platforms, and help evaluate new tools and technologies to strengthen the group's capacity
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot key analytical instrumentation hands‑on, own its performance, and partner with vendors and colleagues to expand instrumentation capabilities and uptime
• Author technical reports, SOPs, and electronic notebook records that build the group's institutional knowledge base and support its growing scope
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute scientific and technical leadership that raises the capability and impact of the broader Mass Spectrometry group

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical sciences, with a track record of driving scientific impact rather than only executing assigned assays
• Extensive experience with mass spectrometry analysis of proteins and peptides (Sciex QTRAP, Sciex Q-TOF, Thermo Orbitrap Fusion/Lumos, QQQ with MRM method)
• Demonstrated expertise leading bioanalytical method development and validation of large molecule analytes
• Experience performing intact and subunit protein mass spectrometry analysis, including characterisation of monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins
• Hands‑on experience with a range of chromatography techniques (RP‑HPLC, SEC, HILIC, nanoLC, microLC)
• Hands‑on proficiency in wet lab sample preparation techniques (SPE, IP, LLE)
• Ability to own and troubleshoot mass spec instrumentation in close collaboration with vendors to ensure optimal system performance and uptime
• Strong scientific judgment, organisational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast‑moving, growing group
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the Mass Spectrometry group's work to cross‑functional partners and leadership
• Ability to work on site in a laboratory setting and perform hands‑on bench and instrument work
• Fully on‑site, laboratory‑based position in Cambridge, with daily hands‑on bench and instrument work
• Fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment
• Close collaboration with cross‑functional R&D and bioanalytical teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with computational biology, bioinformatics
• Experience with biochemical, biophysical, and biology assays such as SPR, TR‑FRET, ELISA, MSD
• Experience executing method development, validation, and assay transfer at CROs and external partners