JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Mass spectrometry Research Technician
Job Code:
001593
Salary Plan: Non Exempt
Lab: Le Gall
Direct Supervisor: Sylvie Le Gall
Employing Hospital and Department:
Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge: BS/BA
Years experience required: 0 – 2 years experience
Summary:
A position is open for a full-time mass spectrometry technician or technologist at the Ragon
Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard in the laboratory of Dr S. Le Gall. The lab is involved in
research projects aiming at deciphering the mechanisms of degradation of HIV proteins into
epitopes presented to the immune system. Knowledge gained from HIV protein degradation and
peptide presentation to immune cells will help to guide the design of more effective vaccines and
to understand of HIV pathogenesis. The candidate will be in charge of maintaining all mass
spectrometry equipment, preparing and running samples for mass spectrometry, developing and
performing new protocols for proteomics-related research projects, running complex database
searches.
Job Duties:
A position is open for a full-time technician or technologist at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT
and Harvard in the laboratory of Dr S. Le Gall. The candidate will be involved in research
projects aiming at deciphering the mechanisms of intracellular degradation of HIV proteins into
epitopes presented at the surface of cells. The candidate will be in charge of maintaining all mass
spectrometry equipment, preparing samples for mass spectrometry analysis, establishing new
protocols for proteomics-related projects, running complex database searches, and organizing
mass spec runs for all projects. The candidate will work with lab members and be involved in our
research projects and collaborations.
http://ragoninstitute.org/portfolio-item/le-gall-lab/
Email letter of application and resume to sylvie.legall[at]mgh.harvard.edu
Under the direction of the PI or a research fellow, carries out independently daily activities of the
laboratory.
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responsible for the maintenance of the HPLC, Nano LC, mass spectrometer
prepare samples for mass spectrometry runs (purification, quantification, dilution for
injections)
establish new mass spectrometry and proteomics protocols for various types of
experiments in coordination with lab members
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run complex sequence identification searches using Proteome Discoverer and Mascot
record experiments in lab book and organize data into files and graphs
help train HPLC and mass spec lab users
organize scheduling of all samples to be run by mass spectrometry for the lab and
external collaborators
Ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies related to proteomics
Qualifications:
 prior hands-on experience with HPLC, Nano-LC and mass spectrometer (Orbitrap or
other systems)
 Extensive experience with Excel, Mascot and/or other proteomics data analysis software
 Excellent organizational and problem solving skills and excellent attention to detail
 Interest and motivation to develop experimental scientific skills
 Ability to follow detailed protocols and keep accurate records
 Ability to perform as a team member
 Ability to organize laboratory and manage time efficiently
 Must be willing to learn and grow
 2 year commitment preferred
The above job description details the major duties and qualifications of the listed position. The
employee hired to this position confirms that he/she is able to perform all duties outlined.
Although the specific duties and responsibilities of this position may vary slightly, the supervisor
of this position will ensure that the employee hired to this position is trained and qualified to
complete each task assigned. If the duties or responsibilities of this position need to change
significantly, then the supervisor must submit an updated job description to the Office Manager
for review.
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