PhD Candidate in Chemistry
University of Wisconsin–Madison · Expected May 2026
- Advanced mass spectrometry for therapeutic protein characterization and quantitative proteomics.
- Instrument manager for Bruker timsTOF fleX MALDI-2 system.
Analytical Chemist · Mass Spectrometry
Penghsuan (Timo) Huang
PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison specializing in advanced mass spectrometry, therapeutic protein characterization, and quantitative proteomics.
At a glance
- 9+ years advanced mass spectrometry experience across ADCs, proteomics, glyco/phospho-PTMs, and small molecule characterization.
- 5 first/co-first author papers; 10+ co-author papers; 4 review articles.
- Experience in therapeutic protein characterization, biomarker discovery, and analytical method development.
- PhD internship at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Analytical Chemistry Group).
- Currently seeking full-time Mass Spectrometry (Senior) Scientist positions in Analytical Chemistry, DMPK/CRO, or CMC/CDMO teams.
Education
Academic background in chemistry with specialized training in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
National Taiwan University · June 2020
- Suu-Nien Fu Thesis Award (1st Place), 1 out of all Class 2020 in NTU.
- Designed dual-polarity MALDI matrices, published in Analytical Chemistry 2020.
Research Focus
My work centers on developing and applying advanced mass spectrometry workflows to characterize therapeutic proteins, decode complex proteomes, and elucidate biomolecular structures in biological systems.
Therapeutic Protein & ADC Characterization
Middle-down and top-down mass spectrometry workflows for monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, and charge variants, with an emphasis on sequence coverage and site-specific PTM localization.
Quantitative Proteomics & Targeted Protein Degradation
Isobaric tagging-based quantitative proteomics and diaPASEF/dia workflows to assess the efficacy of RIPK1-targeting degraders and other targeted protein degradation strategies across cell models.
Spatial & Structural MS for Metabolites, Lipids, and Glycans
LC–MS and MALDI-IM-MS methods for structural elucidation of metabolites, lipids, and glycans from FFPE and fresh-frozen tissues, supported by in-house spectral library development.
MS Method Development & Novel MALDI Matrices
Design of dual-polarity MALDI matrices and high-throughput enrichment workflows to enable sensitive and versatile ionization across diverse biomolecular classes and tissue types.
9+
Years in mass spectrometry
5
First/co-first author articles
10+
Co-author articles
1
US patent
Selected Publications & Patent
A selection of publications and a patent spanning analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and biomolecular structure characterization. For a complete list, please see my CV or Google Scholar profile.
Huang, P.; Sardina, J.; Lu, H.; Currie, C. R.; Li, L.
Proteome-wide analysis and surface protein isolation for secretome characterization in leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex echinatior.
Proteome-wide secretome profiling; featured as supplemental cover article.
Huang, P.; Zhang, H.; Liu, Y.; Li, L.
Rapid characterization of phospholipids using ITO-coated slide assisted enrichment MALDI MS.
High-throughput phospholipid enrichment and MALDI-2 with ion mobility MS.
Huang, P.; Huang, C. Y.; Lin, T. C.; Lin, L. E.; Yang, E.; Lee, C.; Hsu, C. C.; Chou, P. T.
Toward the rational design of universal dual polarity matrix for MALDI MS.
Design of dual-polarity MALDI matrices enabling positive/negative ion detection.
Hsu, C.-C.; Chou, P.-T.; Lee, C.; Huang, P. et al.
Use of anthranilic acid derivative as matrix for MALDI MS.
US patent on novel MALDI matrix technology.
Professional & Research Experience
Experience spanning biopharmaceutical industry and academic research, with a focus on analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry method development.
PhD Intern – Analytical Chemistry Group
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY · May 2025 – Aug 2025
- Developed an online electrochemical reduction method coupled with IEX separation for middle-down mAb analysis and charge variant profiling.
- Optimized MS/MS fragmentation methods (EThcD and PTCR) to increase sequence coverage and localize site-specific PTMs in CDR regions.
- Directly supported candidate characterization workflows for therapeutic antibody development.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Department of Chemistry · Jan 2022 – Present
- Performed isobaric tagging-based quantitative proteomics to validate RIPK1-targeting degraders, contributing to a publication in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry .
- Developed MS methods for intact mass characterization of ADCs and related modalities, supporting studies in Nature Communications and Angewandte Chemie .
- Developed and implemented top-down MS workflows for intact mass characterization and site-specific labeling of lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs), contributing to a study in Advanced Science .
- Established FFPE and fresh-frozen tissue workflows and an in-house spectral library for metabolites, lipids, and glycans, applied in Nature Methods and Nature Communications .
Undergraduate Research Assistant / Full-time Scientist
National Taiwan University · Jul 2018 – Feb 2021
- Designed and synthesized novel dual-polarity MALDI matrices enabling both positive and negative ion detection from a single sample preparation. Published in Analytical Chemistry 2020.
- Led research culminating in a US patent and multiple peer-reviewed publications.
Teaching, Leadership & Service
I enjoy mentoring, instrument stewardship, and organizing scientific events to support collaborative research communities.
Teaching
- Analytical & General Chemistry Teaching Assistant, UW–Madison (2021 – 2023), instructing 40–60 students per semester in laboratory practices and data analysis.
- Led weekly discussion sections on problem-solving, experimental design, and interpretation of analytical data.
Leadership & Instrument Management
- Instrument Manager and Scientific Leader, Li Research Lab (Mar 2022 – Present): managed Bruker timsTOF fleX maintenance, user training, and troubleshooting.
- Co-organizer, Wisconsin HUPO 2024 and IMSIS 2024 trainee committees, coordinating logistics for ~100 attendees.
- Team leader, 2019 Winter Chemistry Camp at NTU, organizing hands-on activities for high school students.
Fellowships & Awards
Selected recognitions for research excellence, presentations, and academic performance.
Travel Grant
GSFLC, UW–Madison · 2025
Educational Grant
MSACL · 2024
Student Research Grant & Conference Funds
UW–Madison · 2024
LCY Group College Student Research Award
NTU · 2021
Suu-Nien Fu Thesis Award (1st Place)
NTU · 2020
Young Scientist Forum Best Presenter
8th AOMSC · 2020
Curriculum Vitae
For a detailed overview of my education, research experience, publications, and service, please see my full CV.
Contact
I am open to opportunities in analytical R&D, biopharmaceutical industry roles, and collaborations involving advanced mass spectrometry and protein characterization.