Postdoctoral Research Associate - McDonnell Genome Institute

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis, Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC) at WashU Medicine in St.

Louis, seeks a postdoctoral associate to design and execute research plans under the center leadership, contributing to hypothesis-driven and discovery projects on proteomics and small-molecule analyses using high-end mass spectrometers. The successful candidate will lead and collaborate on untargeted and targeted metabolomics/lipidomics workflows, develop PRM-based quantitative assays,

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
• Prior experience in untargeted and targeted metabolomics/lipidomics is highly preferred.
• Experience building robust workflows for untargeted pipelines using databases and in-house libraries.

Responsibilities

• 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 strong oral communication.
• Interacts professionally with collaborators and fellow research team members.

Skills

Collaboration

Data Analysis

Data Interpretation

Experimentation

Laboratory Operations

Laboratory Techniques

Researching

Results Reporting

Scientific Writing

Verbal Communications

Written Communication

Education

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

Job description

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 proteomics needs. Successful applicants will work well both as 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 highly preferred, with a proven track record of building robust workflows 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, you will immediately work in a dynamic research environment with multiple high‑end Orbitrap and Triple Quad mass spectrometers and all required support equipment. 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 postdoctoral associate will analyze data and 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.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):

• 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.

Working Conditions

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.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Education & Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications & Professional Licenses

No specific certification or professional license is required for this position. No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required for this position. No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills

Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretation, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing, Verbal Communications, Written Communication.

More About This Job

As part of WashU, postdoctoral appointments have a five‑year term limit that includes previous experience.

Benefits Statement

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. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy 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.