5/17/2019 2:29:28 PM
As we
previously highlighted on the careers blog, metabolomics refers
to profiling the small molecules (or metabolites) present within biological
samples. One class of analyzed metabolites are lipids. (The
corresponding -omics studies are referred to collectively as lipidomics, and a collection of
lipid species in a sample is called the lipidome.) In general, quantitative lipid
measurements employ some type of mass-spectrometry technique. With technological
advances in MS instrumentation, lipidomic analysis is becoming more accessible
to any research lab. To learn more about the latest trends in lipidomics, you
can browse through the methods papers in the
Journal of Lipid Research. Another useful website to check out is
the Lipid MAPS
Lipidomics Gateway, which provides open access to a large number of
lipidomics resources (e.g., structure database, protocols). While much progress
has been made in measuring lipids, more work is still needed to standardize methodologies
and reference samples, as underscored in this recent
ASBMB Today article on harmonizing
lipidomics. So, for this week, we feature science jobs related to method
development in lipidomics.
Weekly jobs roundup
- Thermo Fisher Scientific has several open positions related
to lipid analysis. These include an analytical
chemistry R&D scientist in lipidomics/lipid biomarkers (Waltham,
Mass.) and a validation
scientist in the chromatography and mass spectrometry division (San
Jose, Calif.). Both positions require significant experience with LC-MS
methodologies and instrumentation. No application deadlines are provided.
- Synthetic Genomics (La Jolla, Calif.) is recruiting a
metabolomics
scientist to develop analytical methods for metabolite profiling and
measurements of small molecules such as lipids. Minimum qualifications include
a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry or other
relevant discipline. Preference is for candidates who are experienced in
analyzing diverse types of biological materials (e.g., phototrophic systems)
and within the context of metabolic engineering. No application deadline is
provided.
- The
Mass Spectrometry Center in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
has two openings for mass-spectrometry
specialists. Priority areas of expertise include metabolomics and
quantitative mass spectrometry. Both positions require a bachelor’s degree in
chemistry or a related field and varying levels of experience depending on the
job rank. See the posting for more details. No application deadline is
provided.
- Metabolon (Research Triangle Park, N.C.), a metabolomics
diagnostic products and services company, has multiple openings
across its contract services division that include sample preparation, data
curation and quality assurance. Additionally, the company is hiring business
development executives to promote its metabolomic and lipidomic
services in the Boston and southern California markets. See the job board for a
full listing of open positions. No application deadlines are provided.
- The
Joint BioEnergy Institute (Emeryville, Calif.) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a research
associate to run mass spectrometry-based analytical methodologies
for metabolite analysis, contribute to method development and support
metabolic-engineering experiments. Desired qualifications include a bachelor’s degree
in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology or a related field
and up to two years of related experience. No application deadline is provided.
Related posts
Metabolomics jobs
Lipid job series:
inflammatory skin diseases
Lipid jobs on the brain
Donna Kridelbaugh is a contributor to the ASBMB Careers Blog. She holds an advanced degree in microbiology and is a former lab manager.
Stay updated on new posts by following the ASBMB on social media or click “follow” on this blog (must be a member and signed in). Also, be sure to check out the ASBMB Job Board for even more job listings.
5/8/2019 4:33:12 PM
This is
the first post in a series focused on informal science-education careers.
Informal science simply refers to STEM learning and activities being done
outside the context of a formal classroom. Science education happens in museums
and science centers, aquariums and zoos and other community-based programs
(e.g., after-school program, citizen science). The
overarching goals of these efforts are to foster a science-engaged public and
inspire a lifelong pursuit of intellectual curiosity. Here are some basic
qualifications and skills you can work on now to prepare for careers in science
education.
- Gain
hands-on experience in science outreach
with the general public by volunteering
or working in an informal-education setting. (Note: With the summer-vacation season
approaching, many museums and science centers are hiring
part-time/seasonal staff to work with visitors. See the weekly jobs roundup for
examples.)
- Find
opportunities to design your own curriculum
and outreach activities. If you are interested in working with K–12 students,
also learn more about state math and science standards (e.g., next-generation
science standards). There is a need for learning activities designed
to complement what is required to be taught in the classroom.
- Take
the initiative to learn the ancillary
functions required to manage education programs (e.g., supervising
volunteers, fundraising). This all can be done within the context of designing
and implementing your own community outreach program or piecemealed together by
serving in specific roles (e.g., volunteer coordinator, fundraising committee).
- Whenever
possible, work on your #scicomm
and #sciart skills
to communicate science to the general public and take training courses in these
areas. Most jobs will require writing and visualization components when
creating content for education programs and displays. (Note: The summer session
of the ASBMB’s The Art of Science Communication
online course is accepting applications until May 17.)
For this
week’s job roundup, we looked into current openings within the education and
outreach departments of museums and science centers. A few job boards that post
related positions include those maintained by the Association of Science-Technology Centers
and American Alliance of Museums.
Weekly jobs roundup
- The
Center of Science and Industry
(Columbus, Ohio) is hiring a scientist
on staff who will be the primary lead on researching and creating
scientific content for exhibits, education programming and marketing materials.
Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in a relevant field and two years of
outreach experience. No application deadline is provided.
- The
Pacific Science Center (Seattle) has
an opening for a science
interpretation program supervisor to oversee exhibit floor and show
operations, train volunteers and staff, and support development of education
programs. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in education,
science or museum studies. No application deadline is provided. (Note: The
science center also is hiring for a number of other education positions that
include a weekend program educator, summer camp teacher and outreach education
operation coordinator. Check out the job
board for a full listing.)
- The
California Academy of Sciences (San
Francisco), which houses an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum,
is searching for an exhibit designs
manager to join its Exhibit Studio team. Minimum qualifications include
a bachelor’s degree in architecture, design or a related field and eight or
more years of related experience. The application deadline is June 3. (Note: The
academy also is hiring a communications
coordinator to support public-relations efforts and contribute to
its multimedia magazine. That job closes on May 13.)
- The
Museum of Life and Science (Durham,
N.C.) is seeking a director of STEM learning
to lead its Innovation and Learning Experiences team. Minimum qualifications
include a college degree in STEM, education or nonprofit management and 10 or
more years working in a museum, informal education setting or related field of
work. (Note: The museum is hiring for summer camp educators and assistants as
well. Check the job board for more
details.)
Recommended reading (ASBMB Today)
The CAISE for informal
science education
Coming soon to a science
center near you: You!
Donna Kridelbaugh is a contributor to the ASBMB Careers Blog. She holds an advanced degree in microbiology and is a former lab manager.
Stay updated on new posts by following the ASBMB on social media or click “follow” on this blog (must be a member and signed in). Also, be sure to check out the ASBMB Job Board for even more job listings.
5/3/2019 12:54:51 PM
When we
think about options for research-related science careers, we often talk about a
bifurcated career pathway: academia or industry. But, as we mentioned in a
previous post on faculty jobs outside
academia, there are research jobs available in the nonprofit sector
as well. One such category is independent research institutes. These are
nonprofit organizations, often founded by a prominent scientist or a
philanthropic donor or family, with a mission-driven focus on specific research
disciplines. Many of these institutions run their own education and training
programs and sometimes are affiliated with a university. As an independently
operated research community, these organizations have hiring needs for faculty,
postdocs and research staff, along with administration and support positions. For
this week’s post, we have provided a few resources to help you locate this type
of research institute, so you can explore this option further. We also have
included short profiles for a subset of these independent research institutes
and a sampling of open positions as listed on each institute’s job board.
Identifying independent
research institutes
- As
these institutes are nonprofit organizations, you can do keyword searches or browse
by categories on nonprofit databases (e.g., Charity
Navigator, GuideStar) to find results.
Weekly jobs roundup
- The
Van Andel Institute (Grand Rapids,
Mich.) was established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 as an independent
biomedical research institute and science education organization. VAI is
composed of a research institute, education institute (focused on K–12 science
outreach) and a graduate school. There are research training programs at all
levels from undergraduates to physician scientists. The research division
is specifically focused on elucidating the biomolecular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s
and other diseases and finding effective treatments. According to Erica
Gobrogge (VAI postdoctoral affairs specialist), they have started several new
research initiatives and are ramping up the postdoctoral program. Currently, there
are multiple openings for postdocs within
neurodegenerative research areas. Project topics include neuronal
death, infections
as triggers of Parkinson’s disease and alpha-synuclein
pathogenicity. Check out the job
board for a complete listing of postdoctoral and staff positions.
- The
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
(La Jolla, Calif.) was founded by Jonas Salk, inventor of the polio vaccine,
and opened in 1963 to create a collaborative environment for scientists to
explore the basic principles of life and the benefits of this research for
society. The institute has scientific program areas in aging and regenerative
medicine, cancer biology, immune-system biology, metabolism and diabetes,
neuroscience and neurological disorders, and plant biology. The Salk careers
webpage lists out openings for faculty, postdoctoral and staff
positions. The most recently posted staff jobs include a bioinformatic analyst, lab
technicians in systems neurobiology and a research assistant in molecular neurobiology. (Note: Most of the postdoctoral research jobs
listed seem to be outdated. You may want to reach out and check if they just
keep these postings up as an open call for applicants. Additionally, this
webpage notes that if you are interested in working with a faculty
member not listed then to contact them directly.)
- The
Scripps Research Institute (La
Jolla, Calif., and Jupiter, Fla.) was founded in 1924 by journalist and
philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps as the Scripps Metabolic Clinic to treat
diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Since that time, Scripps Research has
become a world-renowned biomedical research institute with five interrelated
departments in chemistry, immunology and microbiology, integrative structural
and computational biology, molecular medicine and neuroscience. There are education and
training programs (e.g., graduate program) available as well.
Scripps Research also houses Calibr,
a nonprofit translational research institute advancing therapeutics for unmet
medical needs. Check out the job board to view all
current job opportunities. These include many recent postings for research interns, research assistants and technicians and postdoctoral associates at both Scripps Research locations. Prospective
postdocs also are encouraged to directly contact faculty mentors to
express interest.
- The
Wistar Institute (Philadelphia) lays
claim to being the nation’s first independent biomedical research institution, originally
established in 1892 as an anatomical teaching museum. The institute specializes
in the research fields of cancer, immunology, infectious diseases and vaccine
development. Current job openings
include two research assistants in a
virology laboratory focused on the mechanisms of disease in HIV-1 infection,
a postdoctoral fellow in cancer biology
and two postdoctoral fellow openings in
an epigenetics lab. Wistar also offers a number of education
and training programs. (Note: The postdoctoral
program webpage indicates that scientists can reach out to a P.I.
individually to express interest in postdoctoral work in their lab.)
Donna Kridelbaugh is a contributor to the ASBMB Careers Blog. She holds an advanced degree in microbiology and is a former lab manager.
Stay updated on new posts by following the ASBMB on social media or click “follow” on this blog (must be a member and signed in). Also, be sure to check out the ASBMB Job Board for even more job listings.