Director, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility

Job Summary

The Mass Spectrometry Core Facility is a state-of-the-art laboratory offering instrumentation access, training and technical expertise to researchers at the Institute. Serving as a technical expert and functional leader, the Core Director will have responsibility for oversight and execution of a full range of duties supporting the core facility operations, providing training and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis support to researchers, facilitating experiential learning experiences, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, interfacing with vendors and working with faculty members on proposals to expand the MS capabilities at Salk. The individual will also supervise the core facility staff. The Director will be expected to participate in the following: grant writing and identification of funding opportunities, preparation of manuscripts in connection with Salk research groups, training opportunities for researchers including hands-on workshops and seminars. The Director is expected to have sufficient expertise in proteomics, metabolomics and/or stable isotope tracing to support analysis of diverse analytes in both a targeted and untargeted manner.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Core Facility Admin Management:
  
  
  
  • Provide leadership and vision to adhere to core facility best practices including daily facility operations, data acquisition & analysis, data management, SOPs, training & education, quality assurance, lab safety, and staffing to ensure proper scientific procedures and systems are implemented and followed by core users and staff.
  • Review and evolve core facility services in response to Salk researcher needs and develop/implement intermediate and long-term Ensure department timelines are maintained, and that benchmarks and milestones are met.
  • Responsible for financial activities including monthly billing (internal and external, and development and oversight of core facility budget and recharge rates
  • Work with faculty sponsors and executive director to assure optimal reporting and interactions with funding agencies and
  
  
  
  
• Research Support:
  
  
  
  • Work in partnership with Salk researchers to achieve research goals utilizing state-of-the-art MS technology platforms including collaborative support for experimental design, selection of appropriate instrumentation for project needs and implementation of new and existing approaches using MS technologies.
  • Evaluate new techniques and technology as dictated by advances in the field, including organizing equipment demonstrations, to bring new tools and applications to Salk research.
  • Write relevant technical reports and present core facility and research work internally and
  • Participate in generation of manuscripts and grant
  • Develop and implement best practices for MS data retention, transfer, analysis, and storage.
  
  
  
  
• Institutional Support:
  
  
  
  • Develop and administer teaching/training seminars & workshops pertinent to current or potential Institute research
  • Work with the Salk Office of Technology Development to advance potential intellectual property and discoveries that could be promising candidates for patents and/or licensing for external
  
  
  
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Directly supervises multiple employees within the Mass Spectrometry core facility.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

What we Require

• MS and 7+ years or PhD and 4+ years of related progressively complex experience, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience with at least 3 of those years in a lead or management capacity
• Experience with the following mass spectrometry technologies: Hands on and theoretical knowledge of mass spec technologies and assays for proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics, including quantitative proteomics methods and metabolic flux studies. These technologies will be used to provide services to Salk faculty to fuel research discoveries. Additionally, the applicant will be required to be able to manage and maintain a suite of mass spectrometry instruments.
• Experience with data acquisition and MS analysis software used with popular commercial and open-source platforms.
• Other skills required: Experience with sample preparation methods.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 to $166,000 per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, department budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.