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. MTAC is a recharge facility within the McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) serving regional, national, and worldwide researchers for their mass spectrometry needs.

Successful applicants 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 associate will participate in the design and execution of research plans under the direction of center leadership.

We are specifically 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 demonstrating building of a robust workflow for untargeted pipelines using multiple databases and an in‑house library. Strong expertise in developing quantitative targeted assays using the PRM method based on Skyline software or equivalent is also preferred.

If selected, the candidate will be immersed in a dynamic research environment with multiple high‑end Orbitrap and Triple Quad mass spectrometers and all supporting equipment needed to be successful.

In addition to mass spectrometers, successful applicants will be familiar with multidimensional liquid chromatography, bioinformatics workflow, and emerging applications in the field of small molecules. The associate will analyze data and present interpretations in group meetings and prepare manuscripts for collaborative publications in peer‑reviewed journals. The position will also contribute to presentation and report writing within the research center.

The 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.

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• 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.

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.

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

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

No specific certifications, professional licenses, work experience, or driver’s license requirements.

Collaboration, communication, data analysis, data interpretation, experimentation, laboratory operations, laboratory techniques, research, results reporting, scientific writing.

All external candidates receiving an offer will be required to submit to pre‑employment screening for this position. Screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

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

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. The university’s policy is to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.