Research Scientist

University of Louisville•Aurora, CO

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Research Scientist to lead and support mass spectrometry–based research programs focused on the identification and quantification of metabolites, lipids, and other biomolecules relevant to human health and disease. The ideal candidate will have expertise in mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, lipidomics, and related omics technologies, with experience in instrument operation, method development, data acquisition, and bioinformatics analysis. The successful candidate will oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and other mass spectrometry platforms, while providing analytical support to multiple collaborative research projects. Research activities will include development and validation of analytical methods, sample preparation workflows, quality control procedures, and quantitative analysis of biological specimens from animal and human studies. The position requires independent experimental design, data processing, statistical analysis, interpretation of complex datasets, and preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations. The candidate will be expected to present findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional venues. In addition, the Research Scientist will coordinate core laboratory activities, train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, laboratory personnel, and visiting researchers in mass spectrometry methodologies and data analysis. The candidate will also contribute to strategic planning for instrumentation development, implementation of new technologies, and expansion of mass spectrometry capabilities to support the institution’s biomedical research mission.

Requirements

Master's degree in a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Expertise in mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, lipidomics, and related omics technologies.
Experience in instrument operation, method development, data acquisition, and bioinformatics analysis.
Experience in metabolomics, microbial metabolite analysis, and translational biomedical research.
Excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
Strong commitment to research excellence.
Ability to work collaboratively.
Ability to mentor students and laboratory personnel.
Training, operation of mass spectrometry instruments, developing extraction methods, troubleshooting, handling and training new technologies.
Organization, Project Management and Analytical skills.
Critical thinking, work ethics, excellent Interpersonal skills and ability to work in the team.

Nice To Haves

PhD, MD, DVM, or a related doctoral degree.
Four (4) or more years of experience in mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, metabolomics, lipidomics, or related biomedical research fields.
Expertise in LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, method development, instrument operation, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
Strong publication record and demonstrated success in collaborative research.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain GC/LC-MS instrumentation.
Assist users with experimental design, sample preparation, and data analysis.
Develop and optimize GC/LC-MS workflows for targeted and untargeted applications.
Train graduate students, postdocs, and staff in proper instrument use.
Ensure timely delivery of high-quality analytical results and maintain accurate records.
Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of GC/LC-MS systems.
Lead and support mass spectrometry–based research programs focused on the identification and quantification of metabolites, lipids, and other biomolecules relevant to human health and disease.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and other mass spectrometry platforms.
Provide analytical support to multiple collaborative research projects.
Develop and validate analytical methods, sample preparation workflows, quality control procedures, and quantitative analysis of biological specimens from animal and human studies.
Perform independent experimental design, data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex datasets.
Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations.
Present findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other professional venues.
Coordinate core laboratory activities.
Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, laboratory personnel, and visiting researchers in mass spectrometry methodologies and data analysis.
Contribute to strategic planning for instrumentation development, implementation of new technologies, and expansion of mass spectrometry capabilities.