Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metabolomics

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metabolomics Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee Job Description

Summary of

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Metabolomics Research Facility is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support collaborative and independent research focused on metabolomics and small molecule analysis using advanced mass spectrometry technologies. This position will play a key role in developing and executing metabolomics workflows for a diverse portfolio of research projects involving biological, environmental, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biomanufacturing applications. The successful candidate will operate, maintain, and provide training on a variety of analytical instrumentation, including a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral Mass Spectrometer, LC-MS, and GC-MS platforms.

The individual will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external researchers to design experiments, prepare samples, acquire and analyze data, and interpret complex metabolomics datasets. Research activities will include both targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling of a wide range of sample types, including animal models, human cell lines and cohorts, plants, microbial systems, environmental samples, and other novel biological materials.

The postdoctoral researcher will assist in the development and implementation of new analytical methods and provide scientific consultation to researchers utilizing facility resources. Additional responsibilities include coordinating metabolomics research projects, supporting the training of laboratory users, contributing to the preparation of scientific reports and publications, presenting research findings at professional conferences, and participating in ongoing professional development opportunities. The position offers an opportunity to work in a highly collaborative research environment while advancing expertise in mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and interdisciplinary scientific research.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related field. Experience working with mass spectrometry instrumentation, associated software platforms, and data analysis workflows. Research experience in non-targeted metabolomics, global metabolomics, lipidomics, or closely related fields, including experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition, data analysis, and post-acquisition bioinformatic and/or statistical analysis. Experience analyzing high-resolution LC-MS/MS data generated using Thermo Scientific Orbitrap instrumentation or similar high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms.

• Experience using Thermo Scientific software applications, including Xcalibur, Compound Discoverer, Trace Finder, and Lipid Search.
• Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex analytical instrumentation in a research laboratory.
• Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting raw mass spectrometry data.
• Experience with multi-omics data integration, statistical analysis, and biological interpretation of complex datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to support collaborative research projects and communicate technical findings to diverse scientific audiences.

The W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Laboratory in Iowa State University's Office of Biotechnology provides state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based metabolomics services and expertise to researchers at Iowa State University and collaborators worldwide.

W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Lab | Iowa State University

September 1, 2026

12

Full time

Post Docs

August 28, 2026

September 28, 2026

R19759

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Work Flex options for some positions.
• Work Flex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. , email eooffice.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information…