Post doctoral Scientist

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist to lead nutrient composition analyses using standardized methods. You will collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to coordinate sample plans, perform LC-MS/MS analyses, and interpret results to advance the project.

The role includes data processing, manuscript preparation, presenting findings, and mentoring undergraduate researchers while ensuring laboratory safety and quality control.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in horticulture, biochemistry, food science, analytical chemistry, or closely related field completed by start date.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and validating targeted LC-MS/MS methods.
• Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting nontargeted metabolomics data.
• Knowledge of quality-control practices for mass spectrometry analyses.
• Strong written scientific communication evidenced by publications or reports.
• Ability to manage multiple samples, analyses, and deadlines.
• Ability to follow lab safety procedures and handle samples and chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop sample collection plans and experimental designs.
• Coordinate sample preparation and analysis using standardized methods.
• Perform data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation with teams.
• Lead manuscript preparation and contribute to publications.
• Present findings at conferences, project meetings, and forums.
• Mentor undergraduate research assistants and supervise lab activities.

Skills

LC-MS/MS operation

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent working

Education

Ph.D. in horticulture/biochemistry/food science/analytical chemistry

Tools

LC-MS/MS

R (statistics)

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:The Postdoctoral Scientist will lead nutrient composition analyses using standardized methods developed by the Periodic Table of Food Initiative. This individual will collaborate with scientists across the Washington Research Foundation–funded Optimizing Human Health and Nutrition from Soil to Society project to coordinate analyses, interpret results, and support interdisciplinary research objectives.Full consideration date:This position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by August 31, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).https://agsci.colostate.edu/hortla/Essential Job Duties:Collaborate with project scientists to develop sample collection plans, experimental designs, analytical strategies, and project timelines.Coordinate and perform sample preparation and analysis using standardized Periodic Table of Food Initiative analytical methods.Conduct data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation in collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams.Lead the preparation of manuscripts and contribute to collaborative publications arising from project research.Present research findings at scientific conferences, project meetings, and other professional forums.Mentor and supervise undergraduate research assistants involved in project activities.Conditions of Employment:Pre-employment Criminal Background Check.Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.Supervision:The Postdoctoral Scientist will supervise and mentor undergraduate research assistants who provide laboratory support for project-related sample preparation and analysis. Responsibilities will include assigning tasks, providing training, monitoring performance, and ensuring adherence to laboratory protocols and quality-control procedures.Minimum Qualifications:Ph.D. in horticulture, biochemistry, food science, analytical chemistry, or a closely related field completed by the position start date.Demonstrated hands-on experience operating and maintaining high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry systems, including instrument setup, data acquisition, routine performance evaluation, and troubleshooting.Experience developing, optimizing, and validating targeted LC-MS/MS methods.Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting nontargeted metabolomics data.Knowledge of appropriate quality-assurance and quality-control practices for mass spectrometry-based analyses.Evidence of strong written scientific communication, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, a dissertation, or other scholarly products.Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple samples, analyses, and project deadlines.Ability to safely operate standard laboratory equipment used for sample preparation and analysis, including pipettes, balances, centrifuges, extraction equipment, liquid chromatography systems, and mass spectrometers.Ability to follow established laboratory safety procedures and work with biological samples, solvents, and other chemicals while using required personal protective equipment.Preferred Qualifications:Experience applying mass spectrometry-based analytical methods to foods, agricultural products, plant materials, or other complex biological matrices.Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with scientists from multiple disciplines and communicating analytical findings to researchers with varied technical backgrounds.Proficiency using the R statistical computing environment for data management, visualization, statistical analysis, and reproducible research.Experience developing or implementing standardized analytical protocols and quality-control procedures across large or complex sample sets.Demonstrated record of preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting research findings at scientific meetings.Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students, research assistants, or other laboratory personnel.Strong organizational and project-management skills, including experience coordinating analytical activities across multiple collaborators or research objectives.Salary Range$60,000 to $65,000Required Application DocumentsTo apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.EEOColorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.