Chris,
This depends a lot on your budget, user base, sample load and application range. So I don't believe there can be a general guidance. I'll dot down what I have.
I have been running a single-person proteomics core serving a relatively small user base since 2008 (two different institutes). If I'm to build another core like this, access to a state-of-art mass spectrometer (for now, Bruker TIMS TOF or Thermo Ascend) and budget to upgrade every 5-7 years plus service contract is a must. Equally important is a good computer workstation and some commercial software licenses to handle proteomics data.
On personal side, you need to look at talent you have and again the projects you are looking at. Proteomics is 3 parts: sample prep, LC-MS/MS, and data processing/informatics. Most trainees I work with can handle sample prep with some initial guidance, so I won't invest in that, but would consider having equipment for users to do digestion in the proteomics lab. I'm fairly good on the instruments and love any project that need additional tinkling (beyond canned methods), but having someone that can choose a canned method and talk to tech support as needed is probably good enough. On data processing side, you need to define where a proteomics project ends. Who's going to dig into the large dataset and come up with a story? I find a lot of data I delivered underused, but at the same time, don't believe it's my job as a core director.
Space wise, a mass spec is better off in a separate room to keep the noise to itself. It usually needs separate AC, exhaust, power (especially in US), and nitrogen supply (usually compressed air and nitrogen generator).
This will be the minimum, from here, sky is the limit... My two cents.
Yan
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Yan Wang
Director, Mass Spectrometry Facility
NIH/NIDCR
Bethesda MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2023 09:09
From: Chris Turck
Subject: setting up a proteomics core lab
I was wondering whether there is information at ABRF on how to setup a new state of the art proteomics laboratory. Personnel, equipment, space, lab specifics, etc.; anything that is required for starting from scratch.
Thanks much!
Chris
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Chris Turck
Prof.
Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry
Munich TX
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