NIH – Staff Scientist (3/11/26)
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National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Staff Scientist
Posted: March 11, 2026
Location: Bethesday, MD
As part of the NIH Intramural Research Program, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts innovative basic, translational, and clinical research on the kidneys and digestive system, covering disciplines ranging from immunology and cancer biology to infectious disease. Our scientific environment is uniquely collaborative, stable, and resource-rich, which enables our investigators to pursue high-impact biomedical research.
About the position
The Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry is a multidisciplinary research laboratory focused on discovering and understanding bioactive small molecules and biologics. LBC integrates organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, natural-products chemistry, structural biology, and chemical biology to address fundamental questions in membranous intracellular biology and develop molecular tools for therapeutic use.
Our projects span:
Bioactive natural product discovery and biosynthesis
Mechanistic enzymology
Chemical biology of infectious, metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases
Development of synthetic oligomers, antibodies, nanobodies, and conjugated biologics
Mechanistic studies of molecular interactions relevant to HIV/AIDS, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, and metabolic disorders
An essential pillar of our work is state-of-the-art analytical chemistry, particularly high-resolution mass spectrometry. As such, we are now seeking an outstanding Ph.D.-level mass spectrometrist to lead an advanced LC/MS/MS high-resolution mass spectrometry facility. The ideal scientist will view mass spectrometry not merely as instrumentation, but as a powerful platform for discovery. The prospective candidate will be hired to operate and maintain sophisticated HRMS instrumentation, and will also serve as key intellectual partner to our chemists, chemical biologists, and structural biologists. He/She should be motivated by scientific rigor, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving, and take pride in generating data of the highest analytical quality.
Major Responsibilities include:
Operate, maintain, and optimize advanced research-grade LC/MS/MS HRMS instrumentation
Develop and refine analytical methods to ensure maximal data quality, sensitivity, and reproducibility
Perform accurate mass measurements and advanced MS/MS analyses across diverse molecular classes (molecular weight ranges spanning from small molecules to antibodies)
Collaborate with investigators to interpret MS data and contribute to structural determination and reaction analysis
Ensure broad and equitable access to instrumentation while maintaining high standards of performance
Troubleshoot instrumental errors and work with engineers to make repairs as needed
Implement best practices in quality-control, documentation, and data-tracking
Adapt methods to novel molecular architectures
Additionally, this position includes administrative and operational responsibilities consistent with a federally funded research environment, including:
Oversight of instrument usage tracking, service contracts, maintenance schedules, and regulatory documentation
Budgetary input related to instrument upkeep and upgrades
Coordination with vendors and institutional offices
Lastly, we desired experience performing accurate mass and MS/MS analyses on the following:
Small synthetic, drug-like molecules
Complex natural products
Peptides and natural products in the 1–5 kDa range
Synthetic oligomers (e.g., nucleic acids, peptide nucleic acids)
Nanobodies, antibodies, and antibody conjugates (up to ~80 kDa)
Glycosylated and heavily modified biomolecules exceeding 80 kDa
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, or a closely related field
Demonstrated independent research accomplishments, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
Postdoctoral or industry experience operating and maintaining high-resolution mass spectrometers coupled to HPLC or UPLC systems
Strong foundation in organic chemistry and structural analysis
Ability to interpret MS and MS/MS data to inform structure elucidation, reaction outcomes, and enzymatic transformations
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
Commitment to rapid, high-quality data generation and scientific rigor
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience leading or co-managing a mass spectrometry facility
Experience tracking instrument usage, sample metadata, LC conditions, and analytical parameters
Familiarity with complex biomolecule characterization (biologics, conjugates, glycoproteins)
Experience developing new analytical workflows for unconventional or emerging molecular classes
Applicants should send the following to the email below:
A current CV
Three letters of reference from recent employers on institutional letterhead
A 1-page summary describing your Mass Spec related Research and/or experience managing a Mass Spec facility.
Carole Bewley
christian.nlend@nih.gov