Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department: College of Science

Job Category: Postdoctoral Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Telework Friendly: No

Location: Fairfax

Salary:  Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

Works with Minors check: Yes

About the Department:

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has research labs and faculty distributed over three campuses addressing three primary research thrust areas: Fairfax campus (materials, energy, and sustainability), Science and Technology campus in Manassas (biomedical – biochemistry and synthetic organic chemistry), and Potomac Environmental Research & Education Center (environmental chemistry). The research funding portfolio includes the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), other government and non-profit agencies, and private industry. By leveraging the rich resources available at Mason, the research groups at the Science and Technology campus remain on the leading edge of biomedical and biotechnology research.

About the Position:

The primary focus of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be performing research in the area of proteomic/peptidomic mass spectrometry and related analyses. They will work closely with the principal investigator, graduate students, and undergraduate students on the project. This project is part of a larger multidisciplinary effort involving biochemistry, proteomics/peptidomics, virology, neuroscience, and mass spectrometry to study the neuropathology of viral encephalitis. 

Responsibilities:

• Research and associated responsibilities include, but not limited to, performing proteomic and peptidomic analyses of biological samples. Perform statistical analyses of the data generated by these studies in order to establish patterns and trends in the identified peptides and proteins and the health state and disease progression in mice. Process samples for mass spectrometry analyses, analyze the samples via tandem mass spectrometry (using Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid and Exploris mass spectrometers), and analyze the data to identify proteomic/peptidomic patterns and changes associated with infection and disease progression. Potentially develop or introduce programs or coding to facilitate or enable research objectives and data analyses;
• Prepare reports/presentations for PI and the research team;
• Attend meetings and coordinate research with collaborators on the project;
• Some lab management and supervisory responsibilities in support of the project. Contribute to the supervision and training of students (graduate and undergraduate) working on the project; and
• Other duties as assigned (described duties as warranted). 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related discipline, with experience in the areas of proteomic/peptidomic mass spectrometry and data analysis;
• Experience with the use of LC-MS and LC-MS/MS for proteomic and/or peptidomic analyses;
• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry and proteomics data analysis;
• Hands-on laboratory experience in independent research projects;
• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and spreadsheet software;
• Willingness to work at BSL2;
• Excellent attention to detail in laboratory tasks as well as administrative tasks;
• Ability to read and comprehend relevant scientific literature;
• Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously;
• Ability to work as an effective team member; and
• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems within the scope of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Thermo Orbitrap Tribrid and/or Exploris instruments;
• Experience with PEAKS or similar proteomic mass spectrometry software;
• Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., use of MATLAB or R for data analysis) and working with Python scripting language;
• Experience with ETD, HCD, and EThcD fragmentation;
• High level of initiative and ability to work productively with limited supervision;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
• Excellent punctuality, organization, and time management skills.

Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a list of three professional references with contact information, and 4) a statement detailing how your teaching, service and/or scholarship has supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are minoritized and marginalized in your academic field; applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further Mason Science’s commitment to access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (AJEDI). 

Posting Open Date:  October 23, 2023

Posting Close Date:  November 20, 2023

Open Until Filled?:  No