Researcher

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University in Fort Collins seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist to lead nutrient composition analyses using standardized LC-MS/MS methods. You will collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to coordinate analyses, interpret results, and support research objectives.

You will develop sample collection plans, design experiments, perform analyses, and contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations while mentoring undergraduate researchers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed by start date in horticulture, biochemistry, food science, analytical chemistry, or closely related field.
• Hands-on experience operating high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems, including setup, data acquisition, QC, and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and validating targeted LC-MS/MS methods.
• Experience processing nontargeted metabolomics data.
• Knowledge of QA/QC practices for MS-based analyses.
• Strong written scientific communication demonstrated through publications or reports.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple samples and deadlines.
• Ability to safely operate lab equipment including LC systems and mass spectrometers.
• Ability to follow lab safety procedures with biological samples and solvents.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project scientists to develop sample collection plans and experimental designs.
• Coordinate and perform sample preparation and analysis using standardized methods.
• Conduct data processing, statistics, and interpretation with interdisciplinary teams.
• Lead preparation of manuscripts and contribute to publications arising from project research.
• Present research findings at conferences and project meetings.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate research assistants involved in project activities.

Skills

LC-MS/MS operation

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Project management

Mentoring students

Education

PhD in horticulture, biochemistry, food science, analytical chemistry, or closely related field

Tools

LC-MS/MS instrumentation

Chromatography

Mass spectrometry hardware

Analytical methods development

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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 set‑up, 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.