Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics Research Associate

Duties

The Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School is seeking a talented, highly motivated and energetic researcher to join our proteomics team. The aim of the project is to support the proteomics research in the Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences (HITS).

The candidate will work alongside members of the Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology which includes molecular, cell and computational biologists, engineers and physicists to design, execute and analyze cutting edge applications of mass spectrometry. The scientist role is within the LSP Mass Spec technology center and reports to the LSP Director of Proteomics.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Prepare proteomics samples for mass spectrometry analysis of peptides and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) to better understand proteomic response to drug treatment.
Conduct protein and peptide fractionation and purification, enrichment of PTMs using affinity beads and antibody based approaches, enzymatic digestion of proteins and labeling of peptides with isobaric tagging reagents. Under guidance of the director, optimize and develop Client proteomics protocols as needed.
• Conduct protein quantification (BCA) and enzyme activity assays
• Perform drug treatment of cells and cell lysates.
• Analyze tissues and body fluids for biomarker studies
• Assess whether data passes QA/QC standards
• After a sufficient period of time, being able to train others in proteomics sample preparation methodologies
• Assemble data for dissemination to the public – making figures, reporting methods etc.

Basic Qualifications (required):
• Experience in cell culture
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques and methods and regularly optimize workflows
• Excellent lab notebook, organizational skills and attention to detail and data quality
• Master's or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology or related Biological Science

Additional Qualifications (preferred):
• Experience handling primary biological specimens – tissues and body fluids
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously culture 10-20 cell lines
• Experience performing protein quantification (BCA assay)
• Sample preparation for chemoproteomics
• Western blotting (validation of targets)
• Target engagement assays (validation of targets)

Under the general direction of a Harvard faculty member, develop, design and conduct research projects using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods. Conduct background research and literature reviews. Synthesize, analyze, and interpret results. Write, edit or update all forms of academic writing including case studies, academic and popular journal articles, teaching notes, project reports, policy memos and multimedia scripts. Provide advanced subject-matter expertise and act as a collaborator and thought-partner to the faculty member. Requirements include evidence of academic excellence and prior high-quality, original academic writing and research. Strong skills related to analysis and interpretation of relevant data, research, news, and literature are needed. Demonstrated skill at navigating complex information, situations and organizations and proven ability to work independently and creatively are needed. Full proficiency in Microsoft Office is expected.