PROTEOMICS SPECIALIST in San Diego, California at Sanford Burnham Prebys

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

The Proteomics Specialist is an early-career scientific professional who supports the delivery of high-quality proteomics services to investigators and research teams. Under the direction of the Proteomics Core Director and in collaboration with Core staff, the Specialist performs biological sample preparation, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses, proteomics data processing, quality assessment, and results reporting.

The Specialist supports multiple projects involving diverse biological samples and experimental objectives. Responsibilities include following established protocols, operating and maintaining laboratory and mass spectrometry instrumentation, troubleshooting routine technical issues, documenting project activities, and communicating results to Core users. The position also contributes to the implementation and optimization of established and emerging workflows, including discovery, quantitative, and targeted proteomics.

The primary focus of this position is to deliver reliable, reproducible, and responsive proteomics services while developing technical expertise in sample preparation, instrumentation, data analysis, and user support. Opportunities may include contributing to method development, technology evaluation, standard operating procedures, presentations, publications, and collaborative scientific projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with the Core Director and Core staff to understand project objectives, sample requirements, timelines, and appropriate proteomics workflows.
• Assist with experimental planning and provide routine technical guidance to Core users under appropriate supervision.
• Organize and execute multiple proteomics projects according to established priorities, protocols, and deadlines.
• Prepare biological samples for proteomic analysis, including protein extraction, reduction and alkylation, enzymatic digestion, in-solution or in-gel processing, desalting, cleanup, fractionation, and enrichment.
• Operate automated sample-preparation equipment, liquid chromatography systems, and high-resolution mass spectrometers following established SOPs and training requirements.
• Perform LC-MS/MS data acquisition for discovery, quantitative, and targeted proteomics applications, including DDA, DIA, PRM, SRM, label-free quantification, and isobaric labeling workflows as applicable.
• Perform routine instrument checks, calibration, quality-control assessments, and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor system suitability and data-quality metrics, identify routine performance issues, and communicate or escalate problems appropriately.
• Assist with troubleshooting sample-preparation, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and data-analysis issues.
• Process and analyze proteomics data using appropriate software and established workflows. Relevant platforms may include MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, DIA-NN, SpectroMine, Skyline, or comparable tools.
• Prepare clear and accurate project reports, data summaries, figures, and presentations for Core users and collaborators.
• Meet with investigators and research teams, as appropriate, to review results, explain findings, and discuss routine follow-up analyses.
• Maintain accurate records of sample processing, experimental parameters, instrument performance, data analysis, user communications, and project outcomes.
• Follow and contribute to the maintenance of SOPs, protocols, instrument logs, quality-control records, and data-management procedures.
• Maintain organized project files and electronic records in accordance with institutional data-management and retention requirements.
• Assist with the implementation, validation, and optimization of new proteomics methods and workflows.
• Participate in the evaluation of new instruments, software, reagents, and technologies that may improve Core efficiency, data quality, or service capabilities.
• Participate in training and competency development for Core procedures, instrumentation, software, laboratory safety, and data handling.
• Collaborate effectively with Core staff, investigators, research associates, students, and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Contribute to technical reports, SOPs, presentations, manuscripts, grant applications, and other scientific materials as appropriate.
• Participate in Core meetings, outreach activities, and initiatives that promote the Proteomics Core and its services.
• Follow institutional requirements for laboratory safety, chemical and biological materials, data management, confidentiality, and responsible conduct of research.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in proteomics, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, biology, molecular biology, chemistry, or a related field, with relevant research or laboratory experience; or
• Master’s degree in a related discipline; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been acquired.

Relevant graduate research, internship, fellowship, laboratory, or other hands-on research experience may be considered toward the required experience.

Technical Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory-based protein or proteomics workflows through academic research, a core facility, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or a related setting.
• Basic hands-on experience with biological sample preparation for proteomics or protein analysis, including one or more of the following: protein extraction, enzymatic digestion, desalting, cleanup, fractionation, or enrichment.
• Familiarity with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, or LC-MS/MS workflows.
• Familiarity with at least one proteomics acquisition or quantification strategy, such as DDA, DIA, PRM, SRM, label-free quantification, or isobaric labeling.
• Familiarity with one or more proteomics data-processing or analysis tools, such as MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, DIA-NN, SpectroMine, Skyline, or comparable software.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols and SOPs, maintain accurate records, and perform careful, reproducible laboratory work.
• Ability to recognize routine technical problems, follow troubleshooting procedures, and seek assistance when appropriate.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet established project timelines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team-oriented research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in proteomics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience in a proteomics Core Facility, shared resource, contract research organization, biotechnology company, pharmaceutical company, or comparable research environment.
• Experience operating or maintaining nano-LC systems or high-resolution mass spectrometers, particularly Orbitrap-based instruments.
• Experience with automated sample-preparation systems or high-throughput proteomics workflows.
• Experience with quantitative proteomics, multiplexed labeling, targeted assay development, or data-independent acquisition.
• Familiarity with specialized applications such as phosphoproteomics, glycoproteomics, top-down proteomics, intact-protein analysis, or other enrichment workflows.
• Basic experience with R, Python, or another programming or scripting language.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, or transfection.
• Experience preparing scientific figures, technical reports, presentations, or research documentation.

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Knowledge of fundamental principles of protein chemistry, biochemistry, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and proteomics.
• Ability to apply scientific principles and sound judgment to experimental planning, method development, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Ability to operate complex analytical instrumentation safely and effectively, and to learn new instruments, software, and technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify sources of error and develop practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality, accuracy, reproducibility, and proper documentation.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects while meeting established timelines and service expectations.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate guidance and to take initiative in identifying and addressing technical or operational needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Core staff, investigators, research personnel, students, and external users from diverse scientific backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both expert and non-expert audiences.
• Strong customer-service orientation and commitment to providing responsive, professional, and scientifically rigorous support to Core users.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports, data summaries, SOPs, presentations, and other scientific documentation.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic and written records and follow established procedures for data management and laboratory documentation.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, evolving technologies, and a fast-paced, deadline-driven research environment.
• Ability to contribute constructively to team discussions, collaborative projects, process improvements, and the advancement of Core services.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, ethical research practices, confidentiality, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Professional proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity software.
• Commitment to the Institute’s core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Community, and Compassion.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities. The Specialist may assist with training Core users, students, research personnel, or new staff members on established procedures and laboratory practices.

Indirect: None

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is $79,150.00-$83,012.88/year commensurate with experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our HR Partners at 858 646 3100 Ext 5127 or via e-mail at accomodations@sbpdiscovery.org.