Post Doctorate RA - Mass Spectrometry

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments referred to as directorates, each focused on a specific area of scientific research with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth & Biological Sciences, Physical & Computational Sciences, and Energy & Environment. We also operate an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy Office of Science user facility located on the PNNL campus.

The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads critical research in Atmospheric, Climate & Earth Sciences;
Biological Sciences;
Environmental Molecular Sciences; and Global Change. Our vision is to develop a predictive understanding of biological and Earth systems in transition, to analyze energy and material flows within the integrated Earth system, to predict and control the response of biosystems to environmental or genomic changes, and to model the Earth system from subsurface to atmosphere.

The Biological Sciences Division hosts 17 interdisciplinary teams tackling major challenges in ecosystem sustainability, bioenergy, human health, and national security. These teams use unique field sites, advanced instrumentation, and integrated computational approaches to explore molecular-scale processes, advance molecular measurement capabilities, uncover the structure and function of molecular dark matter, identify control points in complex systems, and develop domain-aware AI to accelerate discovery and hypothesis-driven research.

The Translational Omics Group at PNNL seeks a passionate and innovative Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our multidisciplinary team dedicated to revolutionizing mass spectrometry-based technologies. In this position you will develop groundbreaking methodologies to precisely define macromolecular structures, high‑resolution gas‑phase separation techniques, and multi‑dimensional ultra‑high‑resolution gas‑phase separations that increase peak capacity, lower detection limits, and expand dynamic range to address complex biological challenges.

Located on the beautiful PNNL campus in Richland, Washington, this on‑site role offers a unique chance to utilize cutting‑edge mass spectrometry capabilities.

The preferred candidate is expected to:

• Have expertise in bioanalytical mass spectrometry—including omics applications (proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, glycomics), ion mobility, native mass spectrometry, etc.
• Lead independent research and drive projects from initiation to completion, processing samples, analyzing data, and communicating findings through timely reports, manuscript drafts, and technical presentations.
• Maintain organized and detailed laboratory records.
• Collaborate and problem‑solve alongside a diverse team of multidisciplinary experts, generating new ideas and innovations.
• Contribute as a coauthor on publications that shape the field.
• Present groundbreaking research at national conferences.
• Thrive in a safe, independent laboratory environment where new ideas can flourish.

We want to hear from you if you are ready to make a significant impact in mass spectrometry and advanced research. This is a full‑time, limited‑term employment position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next eight months from an accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacy, or a closely related field.
• Technical expertise in multi‑dimensional separations, ion mobility spectrometry, or other gas‑phase ion manipulation techniques.
• Broad knowledge of mass spectrometry.
• Experience with SIMION and designing/constructing ion optics is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; collaborative attitude; strong desire to learn and develop new concepts and techniques.
• Critical thinking, problem‑solving, and independence in executing routine research tasks.
• Strong organization and teamwork skills necessary for efficient project success.

Not applicable.

This is not a Testing Designated…