Postdoctoral Research Associate - Engineering

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington, DC, USA · Danforth, ME, USA
Posted on Jul 8, 2025

Position Summary

Responsible for developing and applying workflows to analyze organic contaminants like pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and disinfection by-products that have been accumulated on point-of-use water filter during use. Methods are expected to use LC-MS/MS and GC-MS workflow. These methods would be applied for laboratory testing and in a pilot testing program.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

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

  • Design and implement research protocols; adapt and develop methods, procedures, and workflows.
  • Plan and perform experiments and measurements to collect and analyze research data following safety protocols.
  • Prepare and deliver scientific reports, presentations, and publications.
  • Find, read, and organize scientific literature.
  • Participate in internal and external meetings and collaborative activities.
  • Contribute to shared laboratory workspace (ordering reagents and supplies, shared instrument maintenance, etc.).

Working Conditions

Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
  • Exposure to chemicals.

Physical Effort

  • Typically standing or walking.
  • Occasional lifting (< 25 lbs).
  • Ability to move to on and off-campus locations.

Equipment

  • Lab/research equipment.
  • Using tools requiring high dexterity.
  • Requires extensive safety training.

Salary Range:

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.


Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.


Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, and/or other aligned discipline.

  • Operation and optimization of LCMS and/or GCMS instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Instrumentation, Chemical Safety, Chemicals Handling, Data Analysis, Instrument Troubleshooting, Laboratory Research, Research Protocols, Research Publications, Research Reporting, Scientific Writing

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

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 and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.