Research Associate, Spatiotemporal Omics

Chicago, IL (Onsite)

Biohub is leading the new era of AI-powered biology to cure or prevent disease through its 501c3 medical research organization, with the support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

The Biohub in Chicago is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine pursuing ambitious scientific challenges on long time horizons. Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to develop new technologies to understand fundamental mechanisms of disease and enable actionable diagnostics and therapies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities.

We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands‑on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our team develops and applies advanced imaging and omics technologies to enable spatially resolved measurement of molecular analytes in complex biological systems. We work at the interface of biomaterials engineering, microfabrication, and advanced mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), with a particular focus on integrating novel sampling platforms with high‑resolution MSI workflows.

This role will join an interdisciplinary team spanning analytical chemistry, bioengineering, and systems biology, contributing to the development and application of next‑generation sampling and imaging tools that expand the capabilities of spatially resolved, mass spectrometry‑based omics in live tissues. Collaboration, experimental rigor, and hands‑on problem solving are central to how we work.

We are seeking a Research Associate to support mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) studies of biomolecular analytes sampled from live tissues. This is a hands‑on, laboratory‑focused role ideal for an early‑career scientist who is excited to build deep technical expertise in MSI instrumentation and downstream data analysis, while working closely with senior researchers.

• Prepare samples for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)
• Perform matrix application for MSI, including matrix solution preparation and operate/maintain matrix deposition systems (e.g., sprayer, sublimator)
• Operate and maintain MSI instrumentation under established experimental protocols
• Acquire high‑quality MSI datasets for metabolites, lipids, and proteins
• Assist with omics data processing, annotation, and quality control using established software and pipelines
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to optimize sample preparation and MSI workflows
• Contribute to general lab organization, safety, and materials preparation as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with mass spectrometry or related analytical techniques (at least 2 years preferred)
• Familiarity with biological sample preparation workflows; experience with tissue or hydrogel‑based samples is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and refine experimental protocols, generating reproducible, high‑quality data
• Basic data analysis skills using Python, R, MATLAB, or similar tools
• Comfort working with complex instrumentation and learning new experimental techniques
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research setting

Nice to Have

• Experience with Bruker MS platforms or MSI‑specific software (e.g., SCiLS Lab, Metabo Scape, Proteo Scape)
• Prior experience with animal tissues or bioanalytical assays
• Publication track record

The Chicago, IL base pay range for a new hire in this role is RA I = $62,000 - $84,700 or RA II (Master’s to be considered or equivalent YoE) = $70,000 - $95,700. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job‑related skills and experience, as…