Structural Mass Spectrometry Researcher (Postdoc)

Buck Institute for Research on Aging; Novato (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a hands-on mass spectrometry scientist or postdoctoral researcher to establish a structural-MS platform and lead instrument operation, method development, and data interpretation.

Experience in native MS, crosslinking MS, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down analysis is preferred. This role offers collaboration with protein biochemists, structural biologists, and computational researchers in Novato, CA.

Qualifications

• PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or related discipline. Experienced master's-level applicants with substantial instrument-operation and method-development experience may be considered for staff.
• Hands-on operation of a high-resolution mass spectrometer, including setup, performance assessment, and troubleshooting.
• Substantial practical expertise in native MS, crosslinking MS, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down MS.
• Experience connecting sample preparation, acquisition settings, data analysis, and experimental controls to reliable conclusions.
• Strong scientific reasoning, careful documentation, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Establish, optimize, and run structural-MS workflows, including low-flow LC for bottom-up proteomics and crosslinking, and LC workflow for intact-protein/native MS.
• Develop native-MS and/or crosslinking-MS methods to characterize protein-complex composition, stoichiometry, interactions, and structural changes.
• Prepare and evaluate samples, including buffer exchange, desalting, crosslinking, digestion, and enrichment; optimize native SEC or buffer exchange while assessing sample integrity.
• Optimize ionization, ion transmission, precursor isolation, and fragmentation for heterogeneous proteins; troubleshoot and coordinate maintenance with vendor specialists.
• Establish QC standards, reproducible protocols, and workflows for increased throughput, including batch QC and switching between native and denaturing analyses.
• Analyze spectra with controls, uncertainty assessment, and validation; distinguish solution-state interactions from artifacts and assess crosslinks and PTMs.
• Maintain clear experimental records and organize raw data and protocols.
• Collaborate on experimental design, train colleagues, and contribute to publications and consortium deliverables.

Skills

Hands-on MS operation

Data interpretation

Independent work

Collaborative skills

Education

PhD in analytical chemistry

Tools

High-resolution mass spectrometer

LC-MS system

Job description

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is seeking a hands-on mass spectrometry scientist or postdoctoral researcher to establish a structural-MS platform and lead instrument operation, method development, and data interpretation.

Experience in native MS, crosslinking MS, HDX-MS, or intact-protein/top-down analysis is preferred. This role offers collaboration with protein biochemists, structural biologists, and computational researchers in Novato, CA.