Postdoctoral Research Associate - McDonnell Genome Institute

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO, USA · West Long Branch, NJ, USA

Posted on Apr 15, 2026

Position Summary

The Mass Spectrometry Technology Access Center (MTAC) at WashU Medicine in St. Louis is seeking highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position with an immediate start date. The MTAC is a recharge facility within the McDonnell Genome Institute (MGI) serving regional, national, and worldwide researchers for their mass spec needs.

Successful applicants for these positions will be expected to work well as both a leader and a follower in a team environment and demonstrate the ability to work diligently and independently toward tangible, hypothesis-driven or discovery research goals on multiple biomedical service projects. The postdoctoral associate will participate in the design and execution of research plans under the direction of the center leadership.

We are currently looking for the Postdoctoral Associate with expertise in untargeted and targeted metabolomics/lipidomics. Prior experience in these applications is essential with a proven track record demonstrating building of robust workflow for untargeted pipelines using multiple databases and in-house library. Strong expertise in developing quantitative targeted assays using the PRM method based on Skyline software or equivalent is also preferred. If selected for this position, you will immediately be immersed into a dynamic research environment with multiple high-end Orbitrap and Triple quad mass spectrometers and all of the support equipment that one would need to be successful.

In addition to mass spectrometers, successful applicants will be familiar with multidimensional liquid chromatography, bioinformatics workflow, and emerging applications in the field of small molecules. The postdoctoral associate will analyze data and present interpretations in group meetings as well as prepare manuscripts for collaborative publications in peer reviewed journals. This position will be expected to contribute to presentation and report writing within the research center.

The postdoctoral researcher will work with a team of scientists at MTAC and collaborate with other labs. In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Career Center, Teaching Center, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and campus groups.

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):

  • Manages core projects, including sample preparation, execution, and data analysis.

  • Designs research experiments, assesses findings, and compiles comprehensive reports.

  • Maintains instruments, develops new methods, and optimizes existing ones.

  • Keeps meticulous records of procedures and research findings.

  • Demonstrates proficiency in troubleshooting instruments and methods to improve outcomes.

  • Delivers scientific presentations internally and externally with exceptional oral communication skills.

  • Interacts professionally with collaborators and fellow research team members.

Working Conditions:

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

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/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license 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

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Skills:

Collaboration, Communication, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results 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. 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, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.