Postdoctoral Research Associate - McDonnell Genome Institute

Position Summary

The Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC) at WashU Medicine in St. Louis is seeking highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position with an immediate start date. The MTAC is a recharge facility within the McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) serving regional, national, and worldwide researchers for their mass spec needs. Successful applicants will 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 postdoctoral associate will participate in the design and execution of research plans under the direction of the center leadership.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Associate with expertise in untargeted and targeted metabolomics/lipidomics. Prior experience in these applications is essential, with a proven track record of building robust workflows for untargeted pipelines using multiple databases and in‑house libraries. Strong expertise in developing quantitative targeted assays using the PRM method based on Skyline software or equivalent is also preferred. If selected, you will be immediately immersed in a dynamic research environment with multiple high‑end Orbitrap and Triple quad mass spectrometers and all supporting equipment necessary for success.

Additionally, successful applicants should be familiar with multidimensional liquid chromatography, bioinformatics workflow, and emerging applications in small molecule analysis. The postdoctoral associate will analyze data, present interpretations in group meetings, and prepare manuscripts for collaborative publications in peer‑reviewed journals. This position will also contribute to presentation and report writing within the research center.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with a team of scientists at MTAC and collaborate with other labs. Career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

• Manages core projects, including sample preparation, execution, and data analysis.
• Designs research experiments, assesses findings, and compiles comprehensive reports.
• Maintains instruments, develops new methods, and optimizes existing ones.
• Keeps meticulous records of procedures and research findings.
• Demonstrates proficiency in troubleshooting instruments and methods to improve outcomes.
• Delivers scientific presentations internally and externally with exceptional oral communication skills.
• Interacts professionally with collaborators and fellow research team members.
• Analyzes data and presents interpretations in group meetings.
• Prepares manuscripts for collaborative publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

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 provide standard care to research animals.

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Education: Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Certifications / Professional Licenses: None required.

Work Experience: None required.

Skills: Not applicable.

Driver's License: Not required.

Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere.

Certifications / Professional Licenses: No additional certifications unless stated elsewhere.

Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere.

Skills: Collaboration, Communication, Data Analysis, Data Interpretation, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full‑time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours.

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