Job Description
The manager of the mass spectrometry research service facility ("Facility") housed within the Fralin Life Sciences Institute (FLSI) at Virginia Tech (VT) is responsible for leading the mass spectrometry research service facility and helping advance VT's research enterprise of investigator groups with mass spectrometry needs. The manager helps foster collaborations that support Institute and other campus research infrastructure across VT's Blacksburg campus, as well as the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Roanoke and researchers at other VT campuses and affiliated groups. The manager serves a critical role by developing and leading the mass spectrometry research service facility, facilitating teaching and experiential learning opportunities for students, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, interfacing with vendors, and working with faculty members and other facility leaders and staff on proposals to support research efforts. The manager provides leadership and mentoring to staff and implements/shares skills with developing new methods and strategies for acquiring new instrumentation and capabilities.
Required Qualifications
• Advanced degree in chemical or physical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a life sciences research laboratory.
• Experience using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Proficiency in sample preparation for both metabolite and protein analyses from various sources (microbial, plant, animal, environment).
• Proficiency with proteomic and/or metabolomic data analyses.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the desire to work in a service-orientated environment.
• Strong computer and record keeping skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Comfortable with independent troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Interest in teaching and collaboration.
• Ability to exercise judgment within defined practices and techniques.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines with minimal guidance.
• Adaptability and flexibility to address scheduled and unscheduled requests.
Preferred Qualifications
• Database management.
• Management of deadline-driven research.
• Basic computer coding skills.
• Experience in training others in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry from sample preparation to data analysis.
• Contributions to grant proposals.
• Familiarity with core services operations from rate development to regular billing.
• Experience in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$100,000 - $119,000
Hours per week
40+
Review Date
June 19, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
