Sr Research Scientist, Metabolomics

UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Chan Medical School's Metabolomics Core Facility seeks a talented scientist to join their team, supporting metabolism-based research across multiple models using high-resolution LC-MS. You will lead projects, prepare samples, optimize protocols, run LC/MS/MS experiments, and analyze data to advance collaborative studies.

You will work independently and as part of a team in a state-of-the-art lab, developing new methods, training junior staff, and contributing to grants and manuscripts

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, (bio)chemistry, or related field with >=7 years research experience.
• Minimum 3 years in metabolomics and/or lipidomics or >=1 year postdoc.
• Familiarity with high-resolution mass spectrometers (Orbitraps).
• Experience with LC-MS (including standard analytical flow).
• Strong collaborative and client-service mindset.
• Recent bench work experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple projects with collaborators.
• Weekly LCMS calibration and data quality checks.
• Prepare samples for metabolomics/lipidomics experiments.
• Optimize extraction protocols.
• Perform LC/MS/MS for targeted and untargeted analyses.
• Analyze data with TraceFinder, Compound Discoverer, LipidSearch.
• Consult with researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Produce reports and share with collaborators.
• Contribute to grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Present data at group meetings and conferences.
• Operate and troubleshoot mass spectrometers.
• Develop new methods/workflows as needed.
• Maintain records and SOP adherence.
• Supervise/train new staff.
• Serve as EHS contact and ensure safety.

Skills

Project leadership

LC-MS operation

Data analysis

Sample preparation

Experimental design

Communication

Team supervision

Laboratory safety

Education

Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or related field

Tools

Orbitrap mass spectrometers

LC-MS instrumentation

Data analysis scripting (Python/R/Matlab)

TraceFinder

Compound Discoverer

LipidSearch

Job description

The UMass Chan Metabolomics Core Facility is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to support metabolism-based research projects in a variety of experimental models using high-resolution, accurate-mass, liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Under the direction of the Core Director, you will provide professional operational support to our metabolomics and lipidomics platform by performing bench level experiments. You will collaborate with researchers in developing and applying LC/MS-based metabolomics/ lipidomics to advance their research projects. You will use discretion in prioritizing and organizing workflows. You will be expected to work independently and as part of a team to ensure high-quality data acquisition in a state-of-the-art laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project lead on multiple projects with different collaborators
• Assist with weekly cleaning and calibration of LCMS instrumentation and data quality checks
• Prepare samples for metabolomics/ lipidomics experiments
• Optimize extraction protocols
• Assist researchers with metabolite extractions
• Perform LC/MS/MS experiments for targeted and untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics
• Perform data analysis using software such as TraceFinder, Compound Discoverer and LipidSearch
• Consult with researchers on experimental design and data interpretation
• Produce reports and share them with collaborators
• Participate in grant writing and manuscript preparation
• Present data at group meetings, may attend scientific conferences
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of mass spectrometers
• Develop new metabolomics/ lipidomics methods and workflows when needed
• Assist with general laboratory tasks as needed
• Maintain detailed records and adhere to SOPs
• Supervise and train new laboratory personnel and junior members of the laboratory
• Serve as EHS contact and monitor and enforce laboratory safety standards
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, (bio)chemistry, or a related field, with at least 7 years of research experience, including a minimum of 3 years of experience in metabolomics and/or lipidomics or at least 1 year of postdoctoral research experience
• Familiarity with high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g. Orbitraps)
• Experience with liquid-chromatography (including standard analytical flow)
• Willingness to work in a collaborative environment with an outfacing customer service acumen
• Recent bench work experience required
• Ability to prepare research reports
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to understanding scientific, experimental and or research theory

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with lipidomics (in addition to metabolomics) strongly preferred
• Experience with gas-chromatography/ NMR/ other methods of analyzing metabolism
• An understanding of the use of stable isotopes in tracing experiments
• A broad knowledge of open-source, high-resolution, accurate-mass data analysis software
• Experience in advanced data processing and analysis encouraged (use of Matlab, R, Python etc)
• Familiarity with statistical methods used in larger cohort studies
• Willingness to explore and adopt AI into the metabolomics workflow

Environmental Working Conditions:

Wet chemistry laboratory, and may require appropriate contact with biohazards, radionuclides, toxins, animals, and human specimens.