Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

The Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC) at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis has an opening available for a highly motivated applicant for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate for immediate start. The MTAC is a recharge facility within the McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) serving regional, national, and worldwide researchers for their multi-omics needs.  

Successful applicants for this position will be expected to work well as both a leader and a follower in a team environment and demonstrate the ability to work diligently and independently toward tangible, hypothesis-driven or discovery research goals on multiple biomedical service projects. The metabolomics specialist will participate in the design and execution of research plans under the direction of the center leadership. We are currently looking for a post-doctoral fellow with experience in global and targeted metabolomics/lipidomics analysis for absolute and relative quantifications of small molecules and lipids. Prior experience in one or more of these techniques is strongly preferred.

If selected for this position, you will immediately be immersed into a dynamic research environment with multiple high-end Orbitrap mass spectrometers and all of the support equipment that one would need to be successful. In addition to mass spectrometers, successful applicants will be familiar with multidimensional liquid chromatography, data analysis software (e.g., Skyline), bioinformatics workflow, and emerging applications in the field of metabolomics. The metabolomics specialist will develop a custom assay, analyze data and present interpretations in group meetings as well as prepare manuscripts for collaborative publications in peer reviewed journals.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with a team of scientists at MTAC and collaborate with other labs. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• Manage core projects, including sample preparation, execution, and data analysis.
• Design research experiments, assess findings, and compile comprehensive reports.
• Maintain instruments, develop new methods, and optimize existing ones.
• Keep meticulous records of procedures and research findings.
• Demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting instruments and methods to improve outcomes.
• Deliver scientific presentations internally and externally with exceptional oral communication skills.
• Interact professionally with collaborators and fellow research team members

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal or Doctoral Degree.

Preferred Qualifications 

Prior experience in one or more of these techniques: Absolute and relative quantification of small molecules and lipids, global metabolomics, lipidomics profiling.