Senior Research Specialist - Mass Spectrometry Core

Hiring Department: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1029520

Posting Close Date: 2/21/2025

Salary: 70,000.00 - 85,000.00 annually (commensurate with direct experience)

About The University Of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

Position Summary:

This position works in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) in the Mass Spectrometry Core of the Research Resources Center (RRC). This position performs research in mass spectrometry for small molecules and peptides/protein analysis, identification and quantification. Defines research projects, consults with customers in designing experimental plans, carry out own research projects, and trains other lab personnel in various techniques and research equipment. The incumbent will document and disseminate research activities and results for publication, reports, outreach and user communities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop methods for quantification of small molecules and peptides/proteins.
• Develop mass spectrometry methods for identification and structure elucidation of small molecules and peptides/proteins.
• Conduct various sample preparation techniques including, but not limited to: protein digestions, solid phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction.
• Test, customize and implement new techniques and write comprehensive protocols.
• Coordinate instrument preventative maintenance with vendors. Oversee the operation and maintenance of various types of mass spectrometers and UHPLC’s including: ICP MS, triple quadrupoles, q-ToF, MALDI TOF and Orbitrap Velos Pro/QE-HF.
• Supervise and train faculty, research assistants, graduate and undergraduate students in research techniques, laboratory equipment and computer data analysis programs and software.
• Analyze and interpret mass spectral data of known and unknown compounds employing a variety of mass spectrometric techniques.
• Document all sample preparation, method development notes, and data analysis results for publication and reports.
• Develop presentations based on research findings/results.
• Consult with customers regarding experimental design needs and experimental plans.
• Coordinate service projects and service samples in the lab.
• Assist faculty with writing grants and publications.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of laboratory research experience in analytical chemistry and specific area of sample preparation as listed above for a Bachelor’s degree, 3 years for Master’s and 2 years for PhD.
• Mass spectrometry-based lipidomics or metabolomics or proteomics experience is required.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree and PhD preferred.
• ICP MS experience is preferred.
  
  

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation