Proteomics Scientist, Neurodegenerative Disease Focus
Watertown, MA
Parallel Squared Technology Institute – PTI /
Full Time /
On-site
Parallel Squared Technology Institute (PTI) is a non-profit research institute aiming to catalyze a leap in protein analysis technology and use it to explore new biological frontiers. PTI supports open research and educational opportunities supporting rapid career development for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.
Why? Protein dysfunctions directly cause many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, proteins remain understudied because of technological hurdles.
How? To resolve these limitations, PTI will develop mass tags enabling a new framework for multiplexed protein analysis by mass spectrometry towards achieving 100-fold increase in throughput. Scientists at and collaborating with the institute will use these gains to directly investigate disease mechanisms and resolve problems that have proven intractable for decades. Our proof of principle technology and strategies are outlined at: parallelsq.org.
New career opportunities
Members of PTI will be supported with industry-level resources to lead research projects and disseminate their discoveries and innovations to the broader biomedical community through frequent publications, presentations, and submissions to public data portals.
Summary of Position
We are looking for a Scientist who has a strong expertise and background in preparing samples from human brain tissue for mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. With such knowledge, he or she will help drive the sample preparation pipelines needed for both small-scale pilot and large-scale high throughput projects involving Alzheimer’s Disease patient samples. This position will have a focus on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), but we welcome applicants with backgrounds in other neurodegenerative diseases to apply. In order to be seriously considered for this position, we require a cover letter as part of the candidate’s application.
Responsibilities:
- Advance proteomics efforts related to Alzheimer’s Disease through the development and implementation of robust sample preparation protocols with the goal to identify potential biomarkers and biological mechanisms behind the complex pathology of AD.
- Hands-on experimental work of preparing brain samples for mass spectrometry proteomics for the analysis of peptides and posttranslational modifications to better understand the global proteome behind Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Perform experiments with exceptional levels of competence, reproducibility and documentation following appropriate research practices, including excellent laboratory notebook practices.
- Troubleshoot associated instrumentation and address issues head-on in order to consistently maintain a high level of sample throughput and data accuracy.
- Acquire, analyze and interpret mass spectrometry data. Work with other scientists to analyze and interpret proteomics data.
- Communicate with purchasing for ordering laboratory supplies and may be involved in speaking to vendors in instrument purchases.
- Prepare internal reports and manuscripts, and present results at internal or external scientific meetings as appropriate.
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or PhD in biology that involved the preparation and analysis of brain samples, or equivalent working experience of at least 5 years along with relevant Bachelor’s degree.
- Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques as related to cell and tissue culture, preparation of brain samples for downstream mass spectrometry proteomics analyses.
- Have experience in cell culture and associated aseptic techniques. Be able to train other scientists and research associates in brain tissue sample handling.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, record keeping ability, and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in operation of automation machines for high throughput proteomics sample preparation.
- Experience in working with external collaborators, brain repositories and interfacing with LIMS.
We offer:
- An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan; parental leave; wellness allowance.
- Generous time off + paid holidays.
We aim to help fill a structural gap in today's R&D system. We enable fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination yet is not rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
