Laboratory Manager (Senior Research Technologist)

Summary

The CDU Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IABR) is recruiting a skilled individual to provide advanced scientific and technical expertise in mass spectrometry–based proteomics to support and drive the laboratory’s research mission. This position combines hands-on work with scientific leadership, including experimental design, method development, training, and data interpretation. The incumbent will oversee the operation of state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS instrumentation, contribute to publication and external funding efforts, and serve as a core resource for proteomics expertise across research teams.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative

• Develops standard operating protocols and manages overall function for CDU research labs and Core labs.
• Implement a new laboratory management system (Agilent iLab) for all specialized equipment, see equipment list below.

 

Research & Experimental Design

• Design, plan, and independently conduct proteomics and mass spectrometry experiments, including protein/peptide preparation, quantitative proteomics (e.g., SILAC, TMT, iTRAQ), and targeted or discovery-based workflows.
• Develop and optimize new methodologies for protein/peptide separation, enrichment, and analysis.
• Collaborate with PIs and investigators to shape experimental design and align proteomic approaches with research objectives.

 

Instrument & Workflow Leadership

• Operate, maintain, and oversee mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., Orbitrap, timsTOF, Q-TOF, ion-trap) and associated LC systems.
• Lead the development and implementation of SOPs for proteomics workflows.
• Monitor system performance, conduct troubleshooting, and ensure rigorous quality control.

 

Scientific Contribution & Collaboration

• Analyze and interpret proteomics datasets, collaborating with bioinformatics teams to ensure robust data pipelines.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals with high-level scientific input.
• Serve as an institutional resource for proteomics expertise, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations.

 

Training & Mentorship

• Train and mentor junior scientists, technicians, students, and postdocs in proteomics methods and mass spectrometry operation.
• Provide guidance on study design, experimental troubleshooting, and data analysis strategies.
• Promote a collaborative, team-based research culture.

 

Laboratory Oversight

• Supervise daily proteomics operations, including scheduling of instrument time, reagent management, and vendor interactions.
• Ensure compliance with safety, biosafety, and chemical handling regulations.
• Implement a new laboratory management system (Agilent iLab) for all specialized equipment, see equipment list below.

 

Major Equipment will include:

1. Next Generation Sequencing Core
   1. Illumina Nextseq 550
   2. Ion Torrent S5
   3. 10x Genomics Chromium IX
   4. BioRad digital PCR Instrument
2. Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core
   1. Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC
   2. Agilent LCMS 6495B
   3. OpenSPR and benchtop NMR
3. Exosome and MicroRNA Core
   1. Nanosight NS300
   2. Thermofisher WX90 Ultracentrifuge
4. Flow Cytometry and Microscopy Core
   1. Attune NXT Flow Cytometry
   2. BD Melody Cell Sorter
   3. Muse Cell Analyzer
   4. Confocal Microscope Systems with Lasers-TCS SPEII
   5. Cytation 1 Live Imager
   6. Zeiss PALM Microbeam Lase Microdissection

 

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a business model for Laboratory Research Operation
• Develop external user contacts for the core Services.
• Availability to work on weekends and evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
• Oversee Laboratory staff, including research assistants and technicians.
• Work with CDU Facility management, security, and departments.

 

EDUCATION:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Proteomics, or a related field with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience, OR
• Master’s degree with 5+ years of proteomics/mass spectrometry experience, OR
• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of advanced proteomics experience.

 

EXPERIENCE:

• Expertise in LC-MS/MS workflows for proteomics, including quantitative and label-free approaches.
• Proficiency with data analysis platforms (e.g., MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, Skyline, Spectronaut).
• Familiarity with metabolomics,