Associate Director, High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry

Role Summary

Associate Director High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry (Acoustic MS) within the Lead Profiling / DMTA team responsible for developing, implementing, and running high-throughput MS workflows to support lead profiling and ADME assays. Reports to the Head of Lab Automation and Transformation and drives the scaling of automated screening and profiling capabilities across discovery programs.

Responsibilities

• High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry & Acoustic MS: design, develop, and optimize high-throughput MS workflows focused on acoustic MS for small-molecule and biotherapeutic lead profiling; manage end-to-end lifecycle of acoustic MS methods from feasibility to routine deployment; drive continuous improvements in sensitivity, throughput, and cost-per-sample.
• DMTA Lead Profiling & ADME Support: execute and oversee DMTA lead profiling assays; translate and adapt ADME assays to high-throughput MS formats; collaborate with DMPK, medicinal chemistry, biology, and data science to align designs with decision-making needs.
• Lab Automation & Lab of the Future: integrate MS platforms into automated workflows; advise on instrument/systems for lab automation; contribute to data standards and connectivity between instruments, LIMS/ELNs, and analytics platforms.
• Operational Excellence & Quality: establish QC procedures, SOPs, and performance monitoring; conduct root-cause investigations and ensure data integrity and compliance with quality standards.
• Collaboration, Influence & Leadership: serve as SME for high-throughput and acoustic MS; provide training and mentorship; communicate complex topics to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with 6+ years in industry/postdoc; or MS with 12 years; or BS with 14 years in pharmaceutical/biotech R&D.
• Required: deep hands-on mass spectrometry expertise, including development and operation of high-throughput MS assays; demonstrated experience with acoustic MS platforms.
• Required: strong background in quantitative bioanalytical methods for small molecules and/or biotherapeutics (e.g., direct MS, LC‚ÄìMS, acoustic MS-based quantitation); experience with DMTA or screening workflows.
• Required: proficiency with MS data analysis tools; scripting/data handling experience (e.g., Python, R) is a plus.
• Preferred: track record adapting ADME assays to acoustic MS with miniaturization and automated workflows; experience integrating MS with automated sample prep and plate handling; familiarity with DoE approaches; knowledge of LIMS/ELN data pipelines.

Skills

• Mass spectrometry
• Acoustic MS
• DMTA / lead profiling / ADME workflows
• Automation and lab workflow design
• Data analysis tools and scripting (Python, R)
• Cross-functional collaboration and scientific communication

Education

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field (or equivalent industry experience as noted in qualifications)

Additional Requirements

• Location: Cambridge, MA (hybrid work policy)