The Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility provides researchers with advanced metabolomics and proteomics services to support studies of small molecules and proteins. The facility offers access to state-of-the-art instruments as well as consultations and training to help scientists generate high-quality data and drive discovery.
Quick Links
Getting Started
Step 1: Schedule a Consultation
Before submitting samples, please schedule a consultation to determine the best analysis method for your experiment. The facility manager will also add you to the Facility Billing System (FBS), which is used for online sample submission.
Email us at pmaf@austin.utexas.edu to set up an appointment.
Step 2: Submit Your Samples Online
Once your FBS account is set up, use our online sample submission form to submit your samples.
Step 3: Label and Drop Off Samples
After submitting through FBS, label each sample with the PF number and sample number.
Deliver your samples in person to:
2500 Speedway, MBB 1.420
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Please speak with a staff member upon arrival.
Acknowledgment of Core Services and Equipment
Please acknowledge the use of our core services and equipment in your publications. Proper citation directly impacts funding for our facility.
RRID:SCR_021728
For a list of recent publications and the services they utilized, please visit the Publications page of our wiki.
Services
This facility offers a range of mass spectrometry services and instrumentation to support research in proteomics, metabolomics, and molecular analysis. Whether you're pursuing discovery-based studies or targeted investigations, we provide both collaborative expertise and self-service access.
Proteomics
Providing advanced mass spectrometry-based analysis to support the identification, quantification, and characterization of proteins in complex biological samples. We work closely with researchers to tailor experimental approaches for a wide range of applications, from basic discovery to targeted validation.
- Protein ID from simple or complex mixtures using LC-MS/MS
- Quantitative analysis via spectral counting, peak area, TMT, or iTRAQ
- Post-translational modification mapping (e.g., phosphorylation, ubiquitination)
- Targeted proteomics for selected protein quantification
- Native and high-mass protein analysis with PTR/PTCR and UHR instruments
- High-throughput workflows using the Evosep platform
Metabolomics
Offering untargeted metabolomics studies using advanced LC-MS/MS and optional UV/VIS spectra acquisition. Our platform enables comprehensive profiling of metabolites in a variety of biological samples, supporting both discovery and targeted research applications.
- LC-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics
- Optional UV/VIS spectral data for compound insight
Self-service Instrumentation
After initial training, researchers may independently use select MALDI-MS instrumentation.
Instrumentation
Our facility houses a range of advanced mass spectrometry and chromatography systems to support high-throughput, high-resolution analysis for proteomics, metabolomics, and structural biology. Instruments are available for both collaborative projects and supported workflows, with select systems offered for trained self-service use.
Thermo Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid with Vanquish Neo
Mass Spectrometer, LC-MS, Orbitrap, Tribrid, UHPLC/UPLC
Thermo Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid with Ultimate 3000 RSLCnano and RSLC UPLC
Mass Spectrometer, LC-MS, nanoLC, Orbitrap, Tribrid
Thermo Orbitrap IQ-X Tribrid with Vanquish Flex Duo with Dual UPLC
Mass Spectrometer, LC-MS, Orbitrap, Tribrid
Thermo Q Exactive with Vanquish Flex Duo
Mass Spectrometer, LC-MS, Orbitrap, UHPLC/UPLC
Bruker Autoflex maX
Mass Spectrometer, MALDI-TOF/TOF, Self-service
Evosep One
LC System, Proteomics
Intavis DigestPro MSi
Automation, Sample Preparation, ProteomicsAdditional Resources
- Visit the Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility Wiki for protocols, FAQs, and educational resources.
- Training for MALDI-TOF self-service use is available.
Fees
- Sample data acquisition
- Processing & analysis
- Consultation
- Troubleshooting
- Project-specific requirements
Internal / External
Staff
Maria D. Person, Ph.D. – Facility Director
Maria Person is the Director of the Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility and Adjunct Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy. She has over 30 years experience with analytical techniques starting with her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago building a molecular beam machine. Her 26 years of working in proteomics has included novel research into post-translational modifications and antibody sequencing. She has been director of the facility since 2003, with a focus on acquisition of high-end instrumentation and facilitating researchers' diverse needs. She is dedicated to providing high quality service work with rapid turnaround and collaboration on proteomics and metabolomics projects.
Email: mperson@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: 512-471-3659
Office: NMS 3.312
Ping Gong, Ph.D. – Facility Lab Manager
Ping Gong is a Research Associate and lab manager of the Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility. She earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Delaware. Her research focused on developing activity-based probes of proteins to discover their cellular functions using proteomic approaches. After her Ph.D., she spent more than 5 years in the pharmaceutical industry, where she explored protein conjugates as new drug modalities. She also developed mass spectrometry protocols to characterize and monitor biological drug candidates including mAbs, ADCs and oligonucleotides.
Email: ping.gong@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: 512-471-2895
Office: MBB 1.420
Sean Meehan, Ph.D. – Research Associate III
Sean earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology from the University of Miami under Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharya. His doctoral research focused on multi-omic profiling (proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics) by LC-MS to identify metabolic pathways that stimulate retinal ganglion cell axonal growth and optic nerve regeneration. He ultimately identified a mitochondrial lipid metabolic enzyme that negatively regulates axonal growth in vivo and in vitro and alters neuronal membrane fluidics and lipidomes.
Email: sean.meehan@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: 512-471-2895
Office: MBB 1.420