Welcome to the QB3 Mass Spectrometry Facility
Locations: B207 & B244 Stanley Hall
Our mission is to provide UC Berkeley and the broader scientific community with affordable access to cutting-edge mass spectrometry. We specialize in the analysis of diverse species, ranging from small molecules to complex supramolecular clusters.
Our Capabilities
We offer high-resolution measurements and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for:
- Small and large molecules: Biological, organic, and inorganic compounds.
- Specialized targets: Metabolites, lipids, oligonucleotides, and non-covalent complexes.
- Ion mobility: Advanced structural characterization and separation.
- Self-service access: MALDI-TOF instrumentation available for trained researchers.
Proteomics Services
We provide comprehensive protein analysis using both “bottom-up” and “top-down” methodologies:
- Identification: Protein profiling from complex mixtures via MudPIT.
- Quantification: Precision labeling using TMT, SILAC, or label-free (LFQ) workflows.
- Characterization: Precise localization of post-translational modifications (PTMs).
Sample Submission
- Download the general mass spectrometry sample submission form.
- Download the proteomics sample submission form.
General mass spectrometry rates
Recharge rates effective July 1, 2025
| Recharges | UC | QB3 startup partner | Academic (non UC) | Companies (for profit) |
| Consulting (staff time) per hour | $155 | $250 | $250 | $350 |
| Unattended data acquisition per sample
High Resolution LC-MS or GC-MS Low Resolution GC-MS |
$145 |
$250 |
$250 |
$350 |
| MALDI (authorized customers only)
(minimum is 30 minutes of instrument time) |
$110 |
$250* |
$250* |
$350* |
*MALDI for Non-UC Academic and Companies are analyzed by facility staff.
Please note: College of Chemistry users automatically receive a 35% discount courtesy of the College of Chemistry Dean’s office when a Chemistry account number is used.
Work performed by Dr. Anthony Iavarone is not covered by the Chemistry subsidy.
Proteomics rates
In order to preserve our decade-long rates we have implemented a tier-based pricing system. Buy more and pay less. The prices listed below are valid for 10 or more samples per monthly billing cycle per lab/organization. A 20% increase in the monthly bill will be applied if only 5-9 samples are submitted per billing cycle and a 30% increase will be applied if only 1-4 samples are submitted per billing cycle.
| Mass spectrometry analysis | University of California (UC) | Non-UC |
| 1D Run (RP LC-MS/MS) | $100/run | $220/run |
| 2D “MudPIT” Run (cation exchange/RP LC-MS/MS) | $230/run | $480/run |
| High resolution | $283/run | $600/run |
| High resolution w/fractionation | $775/run | $2500/run |
| Sample preparation | UC | Non-UC |
| SDS Gel (15 lanes) | $150 | $325 |
| Desalting/filtering of sample | $25 | $60 |
| Single enzyme digestion, first sample | $70 | $160 |
| Single enzyme digestion, additional samples | $10 ea. | $25 |
| Digestion from a gel band | $138 | $260 |
| Rapigest | $25 ea. | $60 |
| AspN (0.25 ug) | $25 | $60 |
| Data analysis | UC | Non-UC |
| Data analysis | $25 | $60 |
| New project set up | $150 | $290 |
Contact
| Anthony Iavarone Facility Director, General Mass Spectrometry | B205 Stanley Hall |
| Rob Maxwell Facility Director, Proteomics | B205 Stanley Hall, UC Berkeley |
| Professor Evan R. Williams Faculty Director | B42 Hildebrand Hall |
Location
| General Mass Spectrometry (Shipping address) | B207 Stanley Hall |
| Proteomics (Shipping address) | B244 Stanley Hall |