Research Associate I, II, III, or Senior

Mississippi State University, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: University, MISSISSIPPI
Deadline: 09 Apr 2024

The Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences at Mississippi State University is recruiting a full-time 12-month research associate (Research Associate I, II, III, or Senior ) to manage two liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometers located in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The applicant will support targeted/untargeted metabolomics and proteomics efforts in the college. The instruments in the department include a Thermo Quantis 240 quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid system and a TSQ Quantis triple quadrupole, which are used to identify and quantify small molecules in biological systems. Both systems are interfaced with UPLC inlets. Prior analytical experience with LC-MS/MS is required, which could have been gained on triple quadrupoles, ion traps, orbitraps, or TOF instruments in industry or academia. Prior experience with software that enables chemical compound identification/annotation, such as Compound DiscovererTM or LipidSearchTM , would be beneficial but is not required. Although an individual with a PhD in analytical chemistry/biomedical sciences is highly desired, candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible to apply. Excellent organization, communication, and teamwork skills are a must.  

Essential duties and responsibilities:

  • Broadly oversee day-to-day operations of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Mass Spectrometry facility. This includes the operation of the instrumentation and working with users to optimize sample preparation.
  • Maintain cleanliness of the facility and other assigned instrumentation and monitor users to ensure that instruments are operated correctly.
  • Develop analytical methods for measuring endogenous small molecules in cells and tissues, such as polar organic acids, amino acids, and lipid species, in addition to therapeutic drugs and environmental toxicants. Both targeted and untargeted approaches will be used for analysis.
  • Perform routine maintenance on the instruments, such as cleaning ion sources and maintaining pumps, in addition to sample preparation protocols.
  • Prepare mobile phases and calibrate the instruments when needed.
  • Participate in regular career development and workshops (including potential conference travel) to stay current on MS techniques and instrumentation.
  • Monitor instrument billing and maintain a positive, supportive environment for LC-MS users.
  • Other duties as assigned.

    • Minimum Qualifications:

    Applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related area; a Ph.D. is preferred.  Applicants must possess the skills needed to organize and manage assigned duties.

    ABDS or degree pending considered (all but DISS):  Yes

    Preferred Qualifications:

    Applicants with prior experience with managing mass spectrometry instrumentation or performing metabolomics analysis are particularly encouraged to apply.

    Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

    Applicants must possess the skills needed to organize and manage the assigned duties.

    Working conditions and physical effort:

    Applicants should be able to lift containers up to 20 lbs.

    Salary Range: TBD

    Instructions for applying:

    All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu (Job No: 507206) and attach a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, and complete contact information for at least three professional references. Send any questions to: Dr. Matthew Ross, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine ([email protected]).

    Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

    MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.


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