Research Specialist - Mass Spectrometry

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’s deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands‑on work.

We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Specialist with advanced expertise in mass spectrometry‑based data analysis, particularly in quantitative label‑free and/or stable isotope labeling proteomics data analysis, global and targeted metabolomics and lipidomics, MS imaging, as well as crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL‑MS). The successful candidate will play a central role in the computational and analytical components of research projects, apply state‑of‑the‑art bioinformatics tools, quantitative analysis strategies, and multi‑omics data‑integration approaches to support a wide range of biological research programs.

Although this is a data‑focused role, wet‑lab proficiency—including sample handling, operation and method set‑up on Orbitrap Tribrid instrument—are highly valued and considered a strong asset.

The mass spectrometry department at HHMI, Janelia Research Campus is a new shared resource founded in 2024, which is dedicated to advancing scientific research and innovation in the field of proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and many more. We are equipped with pioneering instruments and solutions to facilitate the study of the dynamics, structures, functions, and interactions of various biomolecules which may correlate to cellular dynamics, neural and behavioral mechanisms.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• A supportive training environment with opportunities to participate in scientific workshops and conferences.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on scientific research and discovery.
• Amenities that enhance work‑life balance such as on‑site childcare, free gyms, available on‑campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.

• Working under the direct supervision of the Department Director, you will serve as a data‑analysis specialist with growing independence in designing, executing, interpreting and visualizing complex mass‑spectrometry‑based experiments.
• Lead and support in‑depth analysis of DIA and DDA proteomic datasets, TMT‑based multiplexed proteomics sets, global and targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, XL‑MS as well as MS MALDI imaging datasets, using state‑of‑the‑art bioinformatics and statistical tools.
• Collaborate closely with researchers to guide study design, interpret results, troubleshoot challenging datasets, and contribute to the development and optimization of new mass spectrometry methodologies and workflows.
• Develop, optimize, and validate computational workflows and data‑analysis pipelines, including QC assessment, normalization strategies, spectral library generation, PTM analysis, peptide/protein quantification, metabolite identification, lipid species annotation, and crosslink identification.
• Integrate multi‑omics datasets when appropriate and contribute to biological interpretation in collaboration with project teams.
• Keep accurate, detailed electronic records of experimental methods, raw and processed data, computational workflows, and analysis outcomes.
• Help support day‑to‑day operations of the mass‑spectrometry facility, including maintaining laboratory workstations, reporting instrument issues, and ensuring workflows meet high research‑quality standards.
• Train junior personnel or visiting researchers in data‑analysis tools, interpretation strategies, and laboratory best practices.
• Support the department’s commitment to a collaborative,…