Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metabolomics

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 employment@iastate.edu, 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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

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.