Mass Spectrometry Research Associate

About the role

You will architect and execute the daily operational framework for high-throughput mass spectrometry experiments that directly challenge the limits of current protein analysis technology. This role owns the end-to-end lifecycle of sample processing, instrument calibration, and data acquisition, ensuring that each run adheres to strict reproducibility and quality control standards. You will lead the troubleshooting and optimization of complex mass spectrometry workflows, translating ambiguous experimental failures into actionable procedural refinements. In partnership with computational scientists, you will validate data integrity and integrity, providing the quantitative foundation for machine learning models that seek to predict protein behavior. You will act as the primary technical liaison between wet-lab experimentation and dry-lab analysis, ensuring that biological hypotheses are tested with chemical precision. This position requires a proactive mindset that anticipates instrumental drift, environmental variability, and sample matrix effects before they compromise data quality. You will document every adjustment and observation in a manner that creates a durable, searchable knowledge base for the entire institute. Ultimately, your work will generate the reliable, high-dimensional datasets necessary to unravel the protein dysfunctions underlying diseases like Alzheimer's.

Key facts

What you'll do

Operate and maintain a diverse portfolio of mass spectrometry instrumentation to support high-volume sample processing demands.

Design and implement robust sample preparation protocols that minimize batch-to-batch variability and maximize signal consistency.

Execute method development experiments to optimize ionization efficiency, fragmentation patterns, and detection sensitivity for complex biological matrices.

Troubleshoot instrument performance anomalies, diagnosing mechanical, electrical, or software-related issues that impede data collection.

Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to align experimental outputs with computational analysis pipelines and data visualization strategies.

Monitor instrument performance metrics over time, identifying trends that indicate the need for preventative maintenance or component replacement.

Qualify new mass spectrometry methods according to internal standards, ensuring compliance with regulatory and reproducibility guidelines.

Quantify and qualify analytical data, validating the accuracy, precision, and dynamic range of measurements generated by the instruments.

Support the generation of manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals by providing high-quality data and contextual interpretation of results.

Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records that capture every step of the experimental process for audit and replication purposes.

Participate in the selection, evaluation, and installation of new mass spectrometry hardware and associated consumables or accessories.

Conduct literature reviews to stay current on advancements in mass spectrometry techniques and their potential applications to protein analysis challenges.

Mentor junior team members on standard operating procedures, safety protocols, and best practices for laboratory cleanliness and organization.

Contribute to the establishment of a world-class mass spectrometry facility that attracts top-tier talent from academia and industry.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Physics, or a closely related technical field; Master's degree or PhD strongly preferred.

Demonstrated experience operating mass spectrometry instruments, such as Orbitrap, QTOF, or similar high-resolution platforms, in a research or core facility setting.

Proven track record of maintaining instrument uptime and resolving common issues related to vacuum systems, ion sources, and detectors.

Solid understanding of the principles of electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and their practical implications for sample analysis.

Experience with data-independent acquisition methods or exploratory proteomics workflows is highly relevant to the mission of this role.

Strong quantitative aptitude, with the ability to interpret calibration curves, standard curves, and statistical outputs from instrument software.

Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to follow complex written protocols and ensure strict adherence to laboratory safety standards.

Effective written and verbal communication skills necessary for coordinating with cross-functional teams and documenting technical procedures.

Eligibility to work in the United States and unrestricted right to work in the state of Massachusetts.

Reliability and punctuality are non-negotiable, as experimental timelines are often dependent on the scheduled use of shared instrumentation.

Nice to have

Experience with data analysis software platforms commonly used in mass spectrometry and proteomics research.

Familiarity with cloud-based data storage solutions and secure data management practices for sensitive biological information.

Knowledge of protein biochemistry and sample preparation techniques for membrane proteins or post-translational modifications.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Applicants must submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and interest in the role to be considered for this position.