Post doctoral Scientist

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Scientist will lead nutrient composition analyses using standardized methods developed by the Periodic Table of Food Initiative. This individual will collaborate with scientists across the Washington Research Foundation–funded Optimizing Human Health and Nutrition from Soil to Society project to coordinate analyses, interpret results, and support interdisciplinary research objectives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in horticulture, biochemistry, food science, analytical chemistry, or a closely related field completed by the position start date.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience operating and maintaining high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry systems, including instrument setup, data acquisition, routine performance evaluation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and validating targeted LC-MS/MS methods.
• Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting nontargeted metabolomics data.
• Knowledge of appropriate quality-assurance and quality-control practices for mass spectrometry-based analyses.
• Evidence of strong written scientific communication, as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, a dissertation, or other scholarly products.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple samples, analyses, and project deadlines.
• Ability to safely operate standard laboratory equipment used for sample preparation and analysis, including pipettes, balances, centrifuges, extraction equipment, liquid chromatography systems, and mass spectrometers.
• Ability to follow established laboratory safety procedures and work with biological samples, solvents, and other chemicals while using required personal protective equipment.
• Authorized to work in the United States by employment start date.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying mass spectrometry-based analytical methods to foods, agricultural products, plant materials, or other complex biological matrices.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with scientists from multiple disciplines and communicating analytical findings to researchers with varied technical backgrounds.
• Proficiency using the R statistical computing environment for data management, visualization, statistical analysis, and reproducible research.
• Experience developing or implementing standardized analytical protocols and quality-control procedures across large or complex sample sets.
• Demonstrated record of preparing peer-reviewed manuscripts and presenting research findings at scientific meetings.
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students, research assistants, or other laboratory personnel.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, including experience coordinating analytical activities across multiple collaborators or research objectives.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project scientists to develop sample collection plans, experimental designs, analytical strategies, and project timelines.
• Coordinate and perform sample preparation and analysis using standardized Periodic Table of Food Initiative analytical methods.
• Conduct data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation in collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams.
• Lead the preparation of manuscripts and contribute to collaborative publications arising from project research.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, project meetings, and other professional forums.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate research assistants involved in project activities.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate research assistants who provide laboratory support for project-related sample preparation and analysis.
• Assigning tasks, providing training, monitoring performance, and ensuring adherence to laboratory protocols and quality-control procedures.

Benefits

• Robust benefits package
• Collaborative atmosphere
• Focus on work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree