Frequently asked questions.
Common questions about collaboration, samples, analysis, and timelines.
Common questions about collaboration, samples, analysis, and timelines. If you’re new, start with Get Started.
Getting started & collaboration
I’m new to proteomics — can QPC help me get started?
Yes. Many collaborators approach us early, including before a clear proteomics strategy is defined.
We can help you:
- Translate your biological question into a suitable quantitative proteomics approach
- Advise on study design, controls, and feasibility
- Clarify sample and metadata requirements before submission
Do you offer trial or pilot experiments?
Pilot or feasibility-focused experiments may be considered when they are scientifically justified and help inform workflow choice or study design.
These are typically narrower in scope than full quantitative studies. Suitability is assessed during discussion.
Do I need to discuss my project before submitting samples?
Yes — prior discussion is required before sample submission.
Quantitative proteomics is highly sensitive to design, controls, and sample handling. Early discussion helps ensure feasibility and appropriate workflow selection.
In some cases, we may advise against proceeding if robust or interpretable results are unlikely.
What does “collaborative support” mean?
Collaborative support means working with research teams as scientific partners rather than operating as a purely transactional service.
This may include input on experimental design, workflow selection, data quality assessment, and interpretation, alongside technical execution. Work is conducted on a cost-recovery basis.
Is authorship expected for collaborative projects?
Authorship is not automatic.
Consideration depends on the extent of scientific contribution beyond routine processing (e.g., experimental design input, method development, substantial data interpretation).
We encourage early discussion to align expectations.
Who can collaborate with the QPC?
We collaborate with researchers within CSI Singapore, across NUS, and with external academic partners.
External collaborations are considered where projects align with our expertise, capacity, and collaborative research model.
Samples & experimental workflow
How do I submit samples to the QPC?
Sample submission takes place after discussion and agreement on study scope.
Practical guidance on formats, labelling, delivery, and documentation is provided after planning.
What sample types and formats do you accept?
Accepted sample types and formats depend on the experimental design and workflow.
Certain buffers, reagents, or additives can interfere with mass spectrometry — sample composition should be confirmed in advance.
Can I submit samples without prior consultation?
No.
Without context on objectives and study design, samples may be processed inappropriately or yield results that are difficult to interpret.
Who prepares the samples — my lab or QPC?
Collaborating laboratories are responsible for upstream biological preparation (e.g., cell culture, tissue collection, treatments).
QPC handles downstream proteomics workflows, including sample processing, mass spectrometry, data processing, and initial interpretation.
Can you work with limited or precious samples?
Often, yes.
Projects involving limited material require careful planning and early discussion to assess feasibility.
Data, analysis & deliverables
What data and results will I receive?
You typically receive processed, quality-controlled datasets with documented analysis outputs.
Depending on study design, this may include comparisons, standard visualisations (e.g., volcano plots), and formatted tables suitable for supplementary material.
Do you provide downstream data analysis and interpretation?
Initial delivery includes the analyses and visualisations agreed during planning.
Additional exploratory or downstream analyses may be supported depending on scope and capacity.
Will I receive publication-ready figures?
Where applicable, figures generated during analysis are prepared to a standard suitable for inclusion in manuscripts.
Can you re-analyse existing proteomics datasets?
Re-analysis is supported for datasets generated within QPC, subject to data availability and an agreed scope.
Charges, timelines & administration
How are charges determined?
Charges follow a cost-recovery model covering consumables, in accordance with institutional guidelines.
Instrument access and manpower are subsidised for academic research.
How long does a typical project take?
Typical turnaround time is approximately four weeks once acceptable samples are received.
Timelines vary with complexity, optimisation requirements, instrument availability, and analysis scope.
How does billing and invoicing work?
Consumable cost recovery is initiated after the first round of processed, analysed, and visualised data is shared.
Internal collaborators are billed via journal transfer. External collaborators are invoiced separately.
Do you support externally funded or grant-based projects?
Yes — subject to alignment with our expertise, capacity, and cost-recovery policies.