School/Unit Description:
Sarafan ChEM-H is an institute focused on connecting Chemistry, Engineering, and Medicine for Human Health. The institute was founded as a joint venture of the Schools of Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences. The proximity of world-class biologists, chemists, engineers, and clinicians at Stanford presents a unique opportunity to study human biology at a molecular level, to translate this knowledge into groundbreaking products and services that promote healthy living, and to educate a new cadre of “physician-scientist-engineers” who will lead a rapidly evolving industry. The Sarafan ChEM-H Nucleus connects researchers with talented staff scientists, tools, and techniques in medicinal chemistry, metabolomics, macromolecular structure, protein engineering, and high throughput screening.
Position Summary:
The Sarafan ChEM-H Metabolomics team within the Nucleus is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our team in supporting and collaborating on a wide range of omics and drug discovery projects. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and in-depth expertise in chromatography separation and mass spectrometry, with a particular focus on peptide quantitation, metabolomics, and lipidomics applications. Your work portfolio will be diverse, including but not limited to, supporting research collaborations, developing and optimizing LC/MS assays, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC/MS instruments, providing training and technical guidance on the operation of LC/MS instruments and data analysis, providing general laboratory support and maintaining laboratory safety for the Metabolomics Shared Research Facility.
Core duties:
- Support research collaborations in LC/MS applications, focusing on omics fields such as metabolomics, lipidomics, and peptides/proteins.
- Design and perform LC/MS analytical assays, including sample preparation, LC/MS method development and validation, data analysis and results interpretation.
- Provide hands-on training and technical support to new users, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff, on LC/MS instrumentation and analysis techniques.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment and experimental systems promptly. Perform routine maintenance, tuning and calibration of LC/MS instruments to ensure optimal performance.
- Provide general lab support to ensure smooth day-to-day operation of the shared LC/MS facility, including chemical inventory, laboratory safety and equipment procurement.
- Contribute technical expertise to the development and implementation of new analytical methodologies and technologies.
- Maintain research documentation, manage protocols, assist with administrative duties related to LC/MS projects, as assigned.
- Contribute publications and grant proposals.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
- Associate degree or certificate of completion in a related engineering or related scientific discipline, or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Expertise in LC/MS principles and capabilities, particularly with QQQ, Q-TOF, ID-X LC/MS systems.
- Hands-on experience in omics workflow and applications (e.g., peptides/proteins, metabolites and lipids), including method development, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and structure elucidation.
- Ability to write clear documentation and maintain research protocols.
- General computer skills, with the ability to learn and use specialized scientific software and tools quickly.
- Strong problem-solving and data interpretation skills, with attention to accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Preferred qualifications and experiences:
- Ph.D. in analytical chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 0-3 years of industry or academic experience, or MS/BS with 5+ years of hands-on experience in LC/MS instrumentation and applications.
- Expertise in LC/MS principles, troubleshooting, and instrumentation (e.g., Agilent QQQ, Q-TOF, Themo ID-X).
- Proficient in RP and HILIC separation techniques.
- Skilled in untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics workflow, including iterative MS/MS and AcquireX data acquisition, data mining, statistical analysis and results interpretation.
- Hands-on experience in LC/MS-based peptide quantitation assay, including experience in proteolytic digestion techniques.
- Hands-on experience with biological sample preparation for peptides/proteins, metabolites and lipids.
- Proficient in LC/MS-related software, such as Skyline, Agilent MassHunter, Thermo TraceFinder, Compound Discoverer, Lipid Search, and other relevant tools.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and provide timely support in a collaborative research setting.
Physical requirements:
- Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
- Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
- Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
- Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
- Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
- Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
- Position may require repetitive motion.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working conditions:
- May require working in close proximity to synthetic chemistry laboratory.
- Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
- Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
- May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
