Research Assistant III

Position Summary

This position will oversee all GC/MS instruments and LCMS instrument and accessories including routine maintenance; design, perform and report service analyses for Core clients; perform client-specific training of GC/MS and IMS instrument users; perform preparation of samples for m ass spectrometric analysis from biological and other sample matrices; report monthly use of instruments for billing purposes; maintain compliance with required safety training through MSU EHS; arrange for replenishment of essential laboratory supplies needed for sample preparation and sample analyses and dispose of wastes using appropriate safe procedures.

Primary job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Routine maintenance and regular performance assessments to maintain and operate GCMS and LCMS systems
• Coordination of major repairs with vendors, and management of spare parts and inventories
• Maintaining GC/MS and LCMS data system computers and archiving of data
• Performing, and report service analyses using GC/MS and LCMS for Core clients, provide oral status reports and make recommendations for procedures at weekly staff meetings 
• Managing liquid nitrogen and compressed gas supplies including cylinder ordering and return following safe procedures
• Managing gas compressor and associated membrane nitrogen generator including minor maintenance tasks and coordination with external maintenance/repair personnel
• Performing client-specific training of GC/MS and LCMS instrument users
• Assisting GC/MS and LCMS instrument users with experiment design, instrument operation, and data analysis
• Reporting month lyuse of instruments described above for billing, design and test purposes
• Writing standard operating procedures for sample preparation and GC/MS and LCMS analyses of a wide range of samples

Applicants are expected to have strong verbal and writing English communication skills and working knowledge of basic principles and common practice of quantitative GC/MS and LCMS including sample preparation, instrumental analysis, and data interpretation with at least one year of hands-on experience.

This position is funded for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon the availability of additional funding. 

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to what would normally be acquired through completion of one or two years of post-bachelor's degree work, such as master's degree and 1-3 years of related work experience in quantitative analytical chemistry methodologies including chromatographic separations, mass spectrometry, analytical method design, use of mass spectrometry vendor software, interpretation and troubleshooting of quantitative analytical results, presentation of results in oral and written for ms, supervision, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

A combination of degree and experience will be needed for this role. Knowledge equivalent to what would normally be acquired through completion of 2-5 years of post-bachelor's degree work such as graduate-level research experience, 1-3 years of related work experience in quantitative analytical chemistry methodologies including chromatographic separations, mass spectrometry, analytical method design, use of mass spectrometry vendor software, interpretation and troubleshooting of quantitative analytical results, presentation of results in oral and written forms, supervision, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

These skills are required to perform the job duties of overseeing all GC/MS and LCMS instruments in the RTSF Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics Core (two Agilent 5975, one Thermo DSQ-II, one Waters G CT Premier, one Waters TQ-D, two Waters Xevo TQ-S, one Waters Xevo TQ-S, one Waters Xevo-G2-XS, one Thermo Orbitrap QE, and One Sciex 7600 system) and accessories (autosamplers for vials, headspace analysis, thermal desorption analysis, and UPLC). 

• B. S., M.S., or Ph.D in analytical chemistry or closely related field with demonstrated hands-on achievements in mass spectrometry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated accomplishments as member of a team.
• Can work independently but is open to guidance from staff members and leadership.
• Curiosity, creative initiative and thinking skills to solve problems. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Related training certificates
• Three professional references
• LinkedIn profile and or website if available (Optional) 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

HTTPS://RTSF.NATSCI.MSU.EDU/MASS-SPECTRO

Bidding eligibility ends August 14, 2025, 11:55 PM