Synopsis

The Mass Spectrometry Facility Fellowship provides a training opportunity for the student fellow to learn in depth skills for acquisition and analysis of mass spectrometry data, as well as core skills for instrument maintenance. The emphasis of the fellowship is on small molecule analyses, including molecular formula validation, analyte identifications and quantitation by LC and GC-MS. Applications in protein analysis and spatial mass spectrometry are also included as appropriate. The fellowship provides an excellent training opportunity to acquire more advanced MS skills that are highly desired by employers in biotech/biopharma, government and analytical instrumentation.

Appointment to the Fellowship will be for the period commencing October 2024 and continuing through September 2025. In special circumstances the appointment could be renewable and extended beyond September 2025. The fellowship provides full support equivalent to a 50% GSR position.

Selection of the Mass Spectrometry Facility Fellow will be made by a committee headed by the Faculty Coordinator and the Facility Director and comprised of other faculty who use the facility on a regular basis.

Eligibility

Students who have passed their advancement to candidacy exam and whose PhD research includes a strong emphasis on mass spectrometry analysis will be given highest priority for the Fellowship. Students that intend to write and defend their thesis during the tenure of the appointment will be given a lower priority.

  • Strong candidates for the Fellowship will already have experience with the collection and analysis of mass spectrometry data. They will have completed the required EH&S online safety training and be added to the Mass Spectrometry Facility RUA.
  • Upon selection as the next Mass Spectrometry Fellow, the student will receive training by Facility staff in the operation and maintenance of the Facility’s LC and GC-MS instruments, including advanced features of the data acquisition/processing software. The training period is expected to take 2 weeks (10 hrs/wk). This training period is meant to further develop the student’s experience on the acquisition and analysis of mass spectrometry data and to better familiarize them with the day-to-day operation of the Mass Spectrometry lab.
  • Once appointed as the Mass Spectrometry Fellow, the Fellow will be expected to dedicate time daily (Monday through Friday) in the Mass Spectrometry Facility to collect and analyze user submitted samples, assist with instrument maintenance issues and method development.
  • The Fellow is expected to help cover Facility operations during staff absences.
  • Specific duties of the Mass Spectrometry Fellow will include analyzing user submitted samples for accurate mass measurements, molecular identification (elemental composition and isotopic abundances), analyte quantitation, and routine maintenance such as source cleaning and QC validations for multiple instrument platforms (Waters, Thermo Scientific, Agilent, Bruker and Shimadzu).

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by July 1, 2024. The student’s research advisor must nominate them for the position and write a letter of reference in support of their nomination. Notifications will be sent by the Chemistry Student Affairs Office.

Graduate Students

If you are interested in applying, please submit the following to your advisor:

  • Current curriculum vitae
  • One-page research synopsis
  • Short summary of current experience with the collection and analysis of mass spectrometry data

Faculty

To nominate a student, please submit the following via Google Form

  • From Student:
    • Current curriculum vitae
    • One-page research synopsis
    • Short summary of current experience with the collection and analysis of mass spectrometry data
  • From Advisor:
    • Letter of reference in support of nomination