Summary of Position: The Center for Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics (CMSP) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the development and application of mass spectrometry-based analysis of biological molecules. The successful candidate will work closely with senior staff and users of the CMSP facility, to plan and design research projects and develop optimized methodologies to address user requirements. Developed methods will be tested with the goal of generating standard operating procedures to analyze priority biomolecules that can be offered as services to users of the CMSP facility over the long term. This researcher will oversee operation and maintenance of instrumentation systems relevant to this work, also assisting in the training of users, where appropriate, facilitating independent analysis of samples. This researcher will also participate in other activities central to the mission of CMSP, including training workshops and assisting facility users in the creation of manuscripts describing results and grant applications. The researcher will be encouraged to serve as a lead author on manuscripts describing new methodologies developed that may be of use for the wider-research community. In addition to technical and scientific expertise, strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to train others, organize and prioritize work, and follow through on assignments.
50% Develop, optimize and standardize mass spectrometry-based methodologies for analysis of biomolecules important to CMSP user projects Working with CMSP users and staff members, develop instrumental methods targeting biomolecules (metabolites, peptides etc) central to ongoing research projects of facility users; optimize and evaluate the performance of these methods and document and validate standardized protocols for continued use of the developed methods
30% Assist in planning and carrying out CMSP user projects Met with CMSP users to plan and design projects and discuss results; Work with CMSP users to analyze samples using standardized protocols targeting biomolecules of interest for ongoing projects; train users where appropriate to run instrumentation and analyze samples; oversee scheduling and maintenance of instrumentation
10% Develop manuscripts describing results and optimized methods and assist in grant proposal generation Lead or assist in the development of manuscripts describing novel, optimized methods and/or results from application to ongoing studies; assist users and CMSP staff with generation of grant proposals supported by CMSP services
5% Assist in training and educational activities offered by the CMSP Participate in workshops offered to students and other lab personnel; assist with other promotional and educational activities core to the CMSP mission
5% Participate in career development activities Present work at national and international conferences; participate in career development workshops and other activities relevant to expanding scope of scientific understanding and/or career training
Required Qualifications: A minimum of a PhD degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience (5+ years) operating, maintaining and applying mass spectrometry-based technologies to molecular analysis of biological systems. Demonstrated expertise in methods used for proteomic and/or metabolomic sample preparation for mass spectrometry, such as in-solution and in-gel proteolytic digestion, and peptide/protein purification methods, various liquid extractions of metabolites, solid phase extraction (SPE) (e.g. C18 SPE, MCX SPE, zip-tipping, etc.), and precipitation methods. Experience with contemporary bioinformatics software for analysis of biological mass spectrometry-generated datasets. Track-record of publishing manuscripts describing results from mass spectrometry-based studies. Must have attention to detail and careful record keeping in laboratory notebook and/or other formats for tracking samples and ensuring high quality results from sample preparation. Must be able to work within a collaborative setting, interfacing with other staff members and users of the facility.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in training others in analytical and/or data analysis methods related to biological mass spectrometry. Experience in documenting protocols for developing standard operating procedures for others to follow.
Restrictions: Limited to a period of three years up to five, depending on training needs. The individual may be immediately post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry. Post-doctoral associates cannot be appointed on sponsored institutional training grants, sponsored individual fellowship or training awards. Post-doctoral associates are University of Minnesota employees. They are receiving additional training while also performing services for the University, for which they are compensated.
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.