Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metabolomics

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Retirement benefits

Generous vacation and leave

Onsite childcare

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

WorkFlex options

Job summary

The W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Laboratory at Iowa State University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metabolomics to advance metabolomics workflows and multi-omics analyses.

You will work on targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling across diverse sample types, including biological and environmental materials. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining Orbitrap Astral, LC-MS, and GC-MS systems, collaborating with researchers, developing methods, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or related field.
• Experience with mass spectrometry instrumentation, software platforms, and data analysis workflows.
• Experience in non-targeted or global metabolomics and lipidomics, including experimental design and data analysis.
• Experience analyzing high-resolution LC-MS/MS data on Orbitrap or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and train on analytical instrumentation including Orbitrap Astral, LC-MS, and GC-MS.
• Collaborate to design experiments and analyze complex metabolomics datasets.
• Develop and implement analytical methods; train lab users; prepare reports and publications.

Skills

Mass spectrometry instrumentation

Non-targeted metabolomics

Global metabolomics

Lipidomics

Experimental design

Data analysis workflows

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Analytical Chemistry/Bioinformatics

Tools

Orbitrap Astral

Xcalibur

Compound Discoverer

TraceFinder

LipidSearch

LC-MS

GC-MS

Job description

Department Unit/Website

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

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.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Thermo Scientific software applications, including Xcalibur, Compound Discoverer, TraceFinder, and LipidSearch.
• 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.
  
  

Department/Program & College Description

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.

Department Unit/Website

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

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

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
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
  
  

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date

September 1, 2026

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

Original Posting Date

August 28, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 28, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19759

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.