Sr Research Scientist - Metabolomics

University of Massachusetts Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Medical School's Metabolomics Core Facility seeks a motivated scientist to lead metabolomics and lipidomics projects using high‑resolution LC/MS. You will supervise staff, optimize workflows, and collaborate with researchers to generate high‑quality data and publications.

The role requires a PhD with extensive experience in LC‑MS based metabolomics/lipidomics, bench expertise, data analysis, and strong communication for cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or related field with 7+ years of research experience, including 3+ years in metabolomics/lipidomics or 1 year postdoc.
• Familiarity with high‑resolution mass spectrometers (e.g., Orbitraps).
• Experience with liquid chromatography (including standard analytical flow).
• Collaborative in a customer‑facing environment.
• Recent bench work experience required.
• Ability to prepare research reports.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand scientific and experimental theory.

Responsibilities

• Serve as project lead on multiple projects with collaborators.
• Assist with weekly LCMS instrument cleaning, calibration, and data quality checks.
• Prepare samples for metabolomics/lipidomics experiments.
• Optimize extraction protocols.
• Assist researchers with metabolite extractions.
• Perform LC/MS/MS for targeted and untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics.
• Analyze data using TraceFinder, Compound Discoverer and LipidSearch.
• Advise researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Produce reports and share results with collaborators.
• Participate in grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Present data at group meetings; attend conferences if needed.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot mass spectrometers.
• Develop new metabolomics/lipidomics methods and workflows.
• Assist with general laboratory tasks and SOP compliance.
• Maintain detailed records and supervise junior staff.
• Serve as EHS contact and enforce lab safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

LC–MS

Scientific reporting

Communication skills

Collaborative work

Bench work

Experimental design

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

Orbitrap mass spectrometers

Job description

Overview

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.

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

Environmental Working Conditions:

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

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