Mass Spectrometry Research Associate (multiple levels)

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.

PTI’s new approach requires synergy between a diverse team of chemists, machine learning engineers, biologists, and mass spectrometrists. Alzheimer’s disease and aging will be among the first focuses of this technology-driven research organization.

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 either a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate who is interested in mass spectrometry. This person will be working on maintaining MS instruments for running multitudes of samples for a variety of projects in addition to other responsibilities. In order to be seriously considered for this position, we require a cover letter as part of the candidate's application.

• You will learn how to set up, operate and maintain mass spectrometers from multiple major vendors.
• Protein sample preparation.
• Inventory management for reagents and samples.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results for internal and public presentation.
• Preparation of lab reagents and media.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field. Advanced degrees or >2 years of experience will be considered for Senior RA position. Basic proficiency with biochemistry techniques or chemistry techniques.  
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and interest in analytical chemistry.
• High level of initiative and flexibility, excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good time management.

• Familiarity with analytical techniques, mass spectrometry preferred.
• Familiarity with liquid chromatography.
• Protein and peptide sample preparation and purification methods.

• You are passionate about science and technology and are eager to work in a team environment.
• You love learning new techniques, new technologies, and new concepts.
• You want an environment that will support your future plans as a scientist or engineer.
• You are committed to open science ideas and want to see your work disseminated broadly.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields.
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance with many $0 premium options for you and your family with several national and regional providers. Most employees have more than 20 plan options to choose from.
• Company-paid group life, AD&D, long- and short-term disability insurance
• 15 days PTO 10 sick days per year
• 18 company holidays your birthday off
• $5,000 per year educational reimbursement
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Industry competitive salary

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.