Mass Spectrometry Research Lab Specialist

The USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is seeking a Mass Spectrometry Research Lab Specialist.

The Mass Spectrometry Core at USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences serves the scientific research community at USC as well as external collaborators. Our Core is equipped with highly advanced analytical equipment including Thermo Fisher Q-Exactive Orbitrap equipped with both ESI and APCI ion sources; Bruker Rapiflex Tissuetyper, a state-of-the-art instrument for imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and high-throughput screening; HTX M5 sprayer for IMS matrix deposition; Sciex Q-Trap 6500 and 5500 instrument. Our Core is dedicated to actively collaborating with internal and external research groups in providing comprehensive service in the screening of small molecules, peptides, and proteins using mass spectrometry. We have an immediate opening for a Research Lab Specialist who would help with sample preparation, operation of the LCMS instrument, and performing data analysis.

Job Summary

The Mass Spectrometry Research Lab Specialist will assist and report to the Associate Director, Mass Spectrometry Core, in day-to-day sample preparation, instrument operation, and data analysis for peptide quantitation and small molecules.
Job Duties

• Sample preparation for mass spectrometry
• Protein tryptic/peptic digestion both in solution and on-gel digestion.
• Perform LC/MS/MS experiments and subsequent data analysis using platforms such as SEQUEST and MASCOT.
• Perform LC/MS/MS assays for quantitation of small molecules in biological matrices such as cell culture media and plasma.
• Perform routine laboratory duties such as LC/MS maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years work experience in proteomics and mass spectrometry. Ph.D. is preferred but not required. 
• Ability to perceive and process peptide, protein, and small molecule MS spectra.
• General understanding of proteomics workflows and techniques including basic bottom-up/top-down proteomics assays, PTM analysis, and peptide sequencing.
• Experience with proteomics data analysis platforms such as SEQUEST and MASCOT. 
• Working experience with LC/MS (preferably Thermo Q-Exactive Focus)
• Basic familiarity with high-throughput screening platforms and enzyme kinetics.
• Ability to learn new techniques and concepts in a short time.
• Good communication skills to support collaborators and researchers from various scientific backgrounds.

The annual base salary range for this position is $68,000 - $85,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Related graduate study, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods and ability to supervise on a regular or project basis