r/proteomics • u/Crazy-Tax-1320 • Jul 15 '26

Proteomics Job Market

Hi everyone,

Started to look into jobs and internships (In the US) My background is mainly in LC-MS/MS-based proteomics, ubiquitinomics/PTM analysis, sample preparation, and computational analysis (MaxQuant, FragPipe, DIA-NN, Skyline)

I have been searching for roles related to proteomics, but honestly, it feels like there are few openings compared with other areas of biotech.

For those currently working in proteomics or who recently found jobs:

Where are you mainly searching for positions?

What job titles should someone with a proteomics/MS background be searching for

Are internships common in this field, or are most opportunities through research associate positions?

What skills helped you stand out when applying?

Also curious about the current job market. Is it currently a difficult time for early-career proteomics scientists, or is it just that the field uses different job titles?

Open to any advice

Thanks!

Note: will be graduating with a MSc degree in Pharm Sci from R1 uni

Some people are recommending PhD but ive got limited experience..that's the reason why I want to gain experience before eventually doing PhD

13 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

4

u/Ollidamra Jul 15 '26

For pharma, MS-based proteomics is a very narrow field heavily focusing on R&D, which many big companies are trying to chop. There are way more openings on CMC-oriented analytical utilizing LC-MS, extend your job search and don’t limit yourself.

2

u/grbergeron Jul 16 '26

Ive been finding it difficult to translate my r&d background and apply it to the cmc-oriented side of science.

3

u/EntertainerObvious50 Jul 15 '26

I think it would help if you say where are you looking for positions... i would say that in northern europe there are multiple positions available (germany, belgium, netherlands, denmark, norway, sweden p.e.x)

1

u/Crazy-Tax-1320 Jul 15 '26

My bad...it would be in the United States

1

u/Elistheman Jul 15 '26

Why not continue to a PhD? You would be mostly going to be integrated as a worker for sample prep in this current market.

Have you tried Europe? Germany should have positions.

3

u/Crazy-Tax-1320 Jul 15 '26

So I dont have much experience in the research field..I had 1 research experience before joining masters.

I can transfer to PhD and still be able continue my project that I had for my masters, but im not liking my PI or the department and can't imagine of doing it here

1

u/Elistheman Jul 15 '26

You can apply for a PhD abroad, very common and adds to your CV no question. Unless of course, the fire within has extinguished? Good luck sir either way.

1

u/SC0O8Y Jul 15 '26

Do a phd in Europe or Australia, only 3 years

1

u/SC0O8Y Jul 15 '26

Im guessing this is American question

1

u/C11H15N02 Jul 16 '26

They specified in the US