Ames, IA
Full time
R19759
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 (https://www.biotech.iastate.edu/metabolomics/)
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 (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
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By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
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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.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
