Modern, high-performance mass spectrometers (MS) are technological marvels. Although these instruments remain complex, advances in software and ease of use have made them accessible to scientists across many fields, not only highly specialized PhDs. The ability of non-specialists to master these instruments enables MS to make important contributions to many different fields of study. To learn more about how young professionals can use these instruments to make important technical breakthroughs, we talked with Isabella Jones, who did a placement year at Waters Corp. applying MS to challenges in biochemistry. She also won a prestigious undergraduate poster award from the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) for her work on native top-down protein analysis using cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry.
Q: You are currently studying biochemistry. What led you to do a placement year with an analytical technologies company?
A: I have always been interested in biology, chemistry, and healthcare, so studying biochemistry felt like a natural fit. During my studies, my favourite module was “Proteins and Enzymes”, where we explored protein structure, interactions, and analytical methods in greater depth, including mass spectrometry. When the opportunity arose to complete an industrial placement at Waters, it offered the chance to gain practical experience with technologies I had only encountered in the classroom while developing laboratory and data analysis skills. The placement has also given me valuable insight into the commercial side of a global company focused on analytical technologies for life sciences and diagnostics.
Q: Can you tell us about your first time using mass spectrometry?
A: My first week at Waters was filled with training to prepare me for working in the lab. Soon after, I began working with cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry. I learned how the instrument works, how ion mobility separation can complement mass spectrometry, and I shadowed several ongoing development projects.
As I had never used liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) systems or software before, it was a steep learning curve. However, applying the technology in a real laboratory setting, combined with support from the team, helped me quickly become familiar with the workflows and build confidence in using the instrument.
Q: How long did it take you to go from learning the basics to running the instrument with confidence?
A: After learning the fundamentals, I gradually took on more responsibility and was able to run experiments independently within my first month. Working on a project focused on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapeutics gave me the opportunity to develop methods, troubleshoot challenges, and build confidence in applying mass spectrometry to real research questions.
My experience was shaped by colleagues who mentored me throughout the year, particularly Dale Cooper-Shepherd, Chris Hughes and Chris Henry. They helped me progress from learning the basics of mass spectrometry to running more complex discovery experiments. Most importantly, working on real-world scientific challenges allowed me to connect the theory, the data, and the potential impact of the work.
Q: From your perspective as a biochemist, what challenges is mass spectrometry helping to solve?
A: Mass spectrometry is helping to address challenges across both fundamental research and healthcare. In structural biology, techniques such as native mass spectrometry (native MS) enable proteins and protein complexes to be studied in conditions that better reflect their natural environment, providing valuable insight into their structure and function. During my placement, I gained exposure to membrane protein analysis and saw first-hand how native MS can generate information about some of the most challenging biological systems. By complementing techniques such as cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), mass spectrometry helps researchers build a more complete understanding of how biological molecules behave.
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Beyond research applications, mass spectrometry also plays an important role in healthcare. It is a powerful discovery tool for identifying unknown compounds, biomarkers, and molecular changes associated with disease. One example is neonatal screening, where mass spectrometry allows newborns to be tested for rare metabolic disorders from a single blood spot, supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Mass spectrometry is also central to the development of next-generation therapeutics, including GLP-1 medicines, where it can support the characterization and analysis of peptide-based molecules. Seeing how the same core technology contributes to both cutting-edge research and real-world healthcare has highlighted its ability to address a wide range of scientific challenges.
Q: Is there a piece of work that you are particularly proud of from your placement year?
A: One highlight of my placement year was completing a project focused on the native top-down analysis of membrane proteins using a high-performance cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometer. With support from Waters, the American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS), and the British Mass Spectrometry Society (BMSS), I had the opportunity to attend the annual ASMS conference in San Diego, the world's largest gathering of mass spectrometry scientists. There, I presented my research as a poster and entered the undergraduate poster competition. The standard of work was incredibly high, with around 40 undergraduate researchers presenting their projects, so I was delighted when my poster was selected as one of the winners.
Developing the project alongside my supervisor, Dale, and presenting the data was a memorable experience. Being part of the team supporting the launch of a new instrument platform made it even more rewarding, and I enjoyed sharing both the science and our team's enthusiasm for the technology with the wider mass spectrometry community.
Another achievement I am particularly proud of was contributing to Waters' GLP-1 initiative. Over the past year, our team published three application notes that helped form the foundation of a GLP-1 e-book focused on high-resolution mass spectrometry solutions, which I worked on alongside my university dissertation. Contributing to such an important area of research has been highly rewarding, and I am pleased to have played a part in generating and publishing new work across a range of high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms.
Q: What advice would you give to other young people who are making decisions about their career pathway?
A: For me, making the most of opportunities has been one of the most important parts of my development. Saying yes to new experiences has helped me build skills, grow my confidence, and discover what I enjoy.
Many of the opportunities that shaped my placement year, including presenting at ASMS, were things I would never have imagined doing when I started university. You never know where an opportunity might lead, so my advice is to get involved, stay curious, and give your best to anything that sounds interesting or beneficial. It is one of the best ways to broaden your experience and develop both personally and professionally.
Q: What comes next?
A: Once I finish my placement year, I will return to the University of Birmingham to complete my MSci in Biochemistry. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in analytical science, applying the knowledge and experience I have gained to help solve important scientific challenges. I am also interested in pursuing an industrially sponsored PhD that would allow me to combine academic research with real-world scientific applications, while continuing to develop my expertise and contribute to advances in the field.
