Scientist

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research seeks an experienced and highly motivated Scientist to join the Systems Mass Spectrometry Technology Center. This individual will play a central role in supporting and advancing native and top-down proteomics workflows, providing experimental and analytical expertise to investigators across diverse biological and biomedical research programs. The successful candidate will operate and develop cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods, collaborate closely with researchers, and lead data analysis for complex proteoform-level studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize native and top-down proteomics experiments, including intact protein and protein-complex analysis.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g., Orbitrap, Thermo Ascend) used for native and top-down workflows.
• Develop and refine sample preparation, separation, and MS acquisition methods to preserve non-covalent interactions and proteoform integrity.
• Perform advanced data analysis and interpretation of native and top-down proteomics datasets, including charge-state deconvolution, proteoform identification, and complex stoichiometry determination.
• Utilize and, where appropriate, develop computational pipelines using tools such as ProSight, TDPortal, TopPIC, BioPharma Finder, UniDec, or similar platforms.
• Consult with investigators on experimental design, feasibility, and best practices for native and top-down proteomics studies.
• Prepare written reports, figures, and summaries for users and collaborators, and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications.
• Train and mentor facility users including graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and junior staff in native and top-down proteomics techniques and data interpretation.
• Maintain rigorous documentation, quality control, and data management standards within the core facility.

Required Qualifications

• Masters is minimal. PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Proteomics, Bioanalytical Chemistry, or a related field is strongly preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with native and/or top-down mass spectrometry of proteins and protein complexes.
• Strong background in high-resolution MS instrumentation and protein-level separations (e.g., LC, CE, or offline fractionation).
• Proven expertise in proteomics data analysis, including intact mass deconvolution, proteoform assignment, and confident biological interpretation.
• Experience working in a shared-resource or collaborative research environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in native, top-down, or intact-protein mass spectrometry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) or ion mobility separations.
• Familiarity with scripting (Python or R) for custom data analysis and pipeline development.
• Prior experience training and mentoring scientific users in a core-facility setting.

To Apply

Submit the requested documents to [email protected] or to Administration Department, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110.

Requested Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Current Resume