Staff Scientist - Metabolomics

The University Of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Staff Scientist - Metabolomics to lead and contribute to cutting-edge metabolomics research in a CLIA/CAP‑accredited environment. You will design studies, perform LC/GC‑MS analyses, elucidate unknowns, and help translate findings into actionable diagnostics for clinical trials.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD and have 2–5 years of related experience, with hands-on expertise in MS workflows, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field; 2–5 years of work experience in metabolomics or a related discipline.
• Experience with targeted/untargeted LC/GC-MS methods and data interpretation required.
• Familiarity with CLIA/CAP-regulated environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on study design and data interpretation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot LC and GC-MS instruments; perform metabolomics experiments.
• Develop and validate quantitative same-day assays in a CLIA/CAP laboratory.
• Author SOPs for sample handling, data collection, QC validation, and logs.
• Coordinate sample logistics and results communication with clinical and DFI teams.
• Lead data analysis, visualization, and contribute to publications.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Metabolomics

GC-MS

LC-MS

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry hardware

Data visualization tools

Job description

Department BSD DFI - Metabolomics

About the Department The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) studies how the microbiome influences susceptibility to infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease. Using a multi-omic approach and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, the DFI identified and characterizes gut metabolites to understand microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions. The team supports the University of Chicago and external researcher through experimental design, custom analyses, and data visualization, while also developing rapid, same-day quantitative assays to help clinicians assess gut microbiome health in clinical settings. The DFI partners with The University of Chicago Advanced Technology (UCAT) Laboratory, a CLIA-licensed, CAP-accredited clinical lab within the Department of Pathology specializing in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Together, they develop, validate, and deliver same-day, mass spectrometry-based diagnostics that translate microbiome science into actionable patient care.

Job Summary

The job facilitates and promotes a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction. The Staff Scientist - Metabolomics will collaborate with a dynamic team of scientists, clinicians, and industry partners on cutting-edge metabolomics research — designing studies, performing targeted and untargeted LC and GC-MS experiments, elucidating unknown compounds, and contributing to publications. On the clinical side, the Staff Scientist – Metabolomics will develop and validate quantitative same-day assays in a CLIA-licensed, CAP-accredited lab, translating microbiome science into actionable diagnostics for patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams, academic/industry partners, and UChicago clinical staff on study design and data interpretation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot LC and GC-MS instruments; perform targeted and untargeted metabolomics experiments.
• Support structural elucidation of unknown compounds; and contribute to data analysis, visualizations, and manuscripts as needed.
• Develop quantitative same-day blood and fecal assays for a CLIA/CAP clinical lab.
• Author SOPs covering sample handling, data collection, QC validation, and instrumentation logs; maintain reagents, solvents, calibrators, and QC materials.
• Enforce BSL-2 and chemical safety protocols; execute daily (Mon–Fri) sample testing and data reporting for clinical trials; and coordinate sample logistics and results communication with clinical and DFI teams.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis.
• Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques.
• Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.
• Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

• Spearheaded mass spectrometry-based metabolic quantitation within a CLIA/CAP regulated environment, ensuring rigorous compliance with clinical quality standards and method validation requirements.
• 3+ years of hands‑on expertise across the full MS data spectrum – targeted, untargeted, and quantitative workflows – to drive actionable insights and support high‑throughput analytical pipelines.
• Established track record analyzing microbially derived metabolites across complex biological systems, with focused in gut microbiome metabolomics from both human and murine models.

Preferred Competencies

• End-to-end proficiency in GC-MS and LC-MS analytical pipelines across targeted and untargeted metabolomic workflows, from method development and sample preparation through data acquisition, analysis, and reporting; including experience with complex biological matrices and CLIA/CAP-regulated environments.
• Proven ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex data clearly to diverse scientific and clinical audiences.
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven, with rigorous record‑keeping practices and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously without sacrificing quality.

Working Conditions

BSL-2 Laboratory environment. Physically capable of moving, connecting, and disconnecting gas cylinders that can weigh up to 200 pounds.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required Yes Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $70,000.00 - $90,000.00

Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university, visit http://www.uchicago.edu/