Post doctoral Scientist

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

3d • $60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Scientist will lead nutrient composition analyses using standardized methods developed by the Periodic Table of Food Initiative. The position collaborates with scientists on 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.

The role includes planning sample collection and experiments with project scientists, coordinating and conducting sample preparation and analysis, processing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts, presenting findings, and mentoring undergraduate research assistants. The position supervises and trains undergraduate assistants who support project-related sample preparation and analysis, monitors their performance, and ensures compliance with laboratory protocols and quality-control procedures.

Employment is contingent on a pre-employment criminal background check and authorization to work in the United States by the employment start date. The position is open until filled; applications received by November 8 at 11:59 p.m. MT receive full consideration.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in horticulture, biochemistry, food science, analytical chemistry, or a closely related field, completed by the position start date.
• 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.
• Strong written scientific communication, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, a dissertation, or other scholarly products.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple samples, analyses, and project deadlines.
• Ability to safely operate laboratory equipment for sample preparation and analysis, including pipettes, balances, centrifuges, extraction equipment, liquid chromatography systems, and mass spectrometers.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and work with biological samples, solvents, and other chemicals while using required personal protective equipment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States by the employment start date.
• Must complete a pre-employment criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying mass spectrometry-based analytical methods to foods, agricultural products, plant materials, or other complex biological matrices.
• Experience collaborating with scientists from multiple disciplines and communicating analytical findings to researchers with varied technical backgrounds.
• Proficiency using R 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.
• 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 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 analyses using standardized Periodic Table of Food Initiative methods.
• Process data, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret results with interdisciplinary research teams.
• Lead manuscript preparation and contribute to collaborative publications arising from the research.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, project meetings, and other professional forums.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate research assistants, including assigning tasks, providing training, monitoring performance, and ensuring adherence to laboratory protocols and quality-control procedures.

Benefits

• Colorado State University describes a robust benefits package, a collaborative atmosphere, and a focus on work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

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