About the Company
Vibrant America is a leading clinical diagnostics laboratory dedicated to transforming healthcare through advanced testing, innovative technology, and data-driven insights. The company specializes in functional medicine and multi-omics testing, offering comprehensive panels that support personalized patient care.
Our Vision
At Vibrant America, our vision is to empower healthcare providers and patients with actionable insights that drive better health outcomes. By integrating cutting-edge science, automation, and analytics, we aim to redefine preventive and personalized medicine.
About the Role
The Senior Mass Spectrometry Scientist will be responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing peptide and proteomics-based workflows with a primary focus on high-resolution mass spectrometry using Orbitrap platforms. This role involves developing quantitative and qualitative peptide, small molecule and proteomic assays, biomarker discovery pipelines, and supporting translational research and clinical diagnostic applications. The scientist will collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, bioinformatics, quality assurance, and clinical operations teams to advance projects from research through clinical validation.
Responsibilities
Experimental Design & Execution
- Develop and optimize LC-MS/MS methods for characterizing proteins, small molecules, or peptides, including peptide mapping, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and intact mass analysis.
- Develop, optimize, and implement targeted proteomics analysis workflows, including automated enrichment strategies, for precise, accurate, and sensitive protein measurements using stable isotope dilution and label-free mass spectrometry.
- Maintain, calibrate, and operate advanced mass spectrometers.
- Coordinate with project teams to identify targeted assay requirements, timing, samples and deliverables.
- Perform targeted protein MS assays using state-of-the-art LC-MS systems; including Horizon-LC, Orbitrap MS platforms to determine protein concentrations in various human sample matrices.
- Prepare samples from a wide variety of biological matrices (cultured cells, tissues, plasma, biofluids) from human and preclinical species using manual and automated bead-based workflows.
- Perform data analysis utilizing a range of proteomics software (Skyline, MaxQuant, DIANN, Spectronaut).
- Coordinate with multiple project teams to deploy the developed assay into manufacturing line, and ensure the workflow is optimized.
Instrumentation & Technology Management
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot Orbitrap mass spectrometers (e.g., Exploris, Fusion, Q-Exactive series) and associated nanoLC systems.
- Perform routine calibration, performance checks, and preventive maintenance.
- Work with vendors to implement new upgrades, applications, and service support.
Data Analysis & Bioinformatics
- Process and interpret raw mass spectrometry data using specialized software (e.g., Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, Skyline, Spectronaut).
- Integrate proteomics datasets with genomics, metabolomics, or other omics data for multi-dimensional insights.
- Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to refine pipelines, perform statistical analyses, and generate clinically relevant reports.
Research & Development
- Lead biomarker discovery projects and translate findings into clinical assays.
- Explore applications for precision medicine, oncology, immunology, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Stay current with literature, emerging technologies, and regulatory trends in proteomics and clinical mass spectrometry.
Motivated problem solver with attention to details, great organization skills and time management, and ability to multitask efficiently to meet drug discovery timelines, team player.
Qualifications
- PhD in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Biology with minimally 5+ years of experience in targeted mass spectrometry-based proteomics in industry or startup biotech setting or MS with 10+ years of experience.
- Broad experience in targeted MS is required:
- Hands on experience with targeted MS method development and execution, including highly multiplexed and sensitive PRM stable isotope labeled peptide assays using DDA and DIA data.
- Hands on experience in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting nano LC and Orbitrap MS instruments.
- Hands-on experience in sample preparation method development and optimization from various matrices (cells, tissues, plasma, biofluids).
- Demonstrated ability to independently analyze, and interpret targeted proteomics data, and communicate effectively in a fast paced, team-oriented environment.
- Experiences in expression proteomics and Chemoproteomics are highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to develop methods and lead mechanism of action mass spectrometry studies.
- Develop and optimize mass spectrometry screening assays based on project needs.
- Experience with sample preparation from primary cells.
Please Note: This is a Laboratory-based role with routine handling of biological and chemical samples. Requires extended periods at mass spectrometry instruments and computational workstations. Occasional weekend/evening work for long LC-MS runs or instrument troubleshooting.
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Equal Opportunity Statement
Vibrant America is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
