Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

A highly motivated postdoctoral researcher is sought to lead and contribute to cutting-edge metabolomics research at the interface of inflammation, cancer, and translational biology This position is based at MSU, with opportunities for collaboration with Henry Ford Health. The successful candidate will drive projects focused on colitis and microbiome–metabolite interactions, develop and optimize advanced MS methods in metabolomics (including EAD workflows), data analysis and support collaborative studies with Henry Ford Health.

Detailed description of work/duties:

Research Responsibilities

• Drive metabolomics-based investigations in inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer models, including sample collection and preparation from mouse models, when appropriate human subjects in collaboration with clinicians (e.g. plasma, fecal and tissue samples), and cell lines
• Design and execute hypothesis-driven experiments including sample preparation, extraction, and method development for metabolomics analyses
• Contribute to building collaborative and translational studies with Henry Ford Health

Mass Spectrometry Expertise

• Serve as a subject matter expert in mass spectrometry–based metabolomics across multiple platforms, with particular emphasis on SCIEX ZenoTOF systems, including routine maintenance, development and optimization of acquisition methods
• Apply and advance Electron Activated Dissociation (EAD) workflows for structural metabolite identification
• Develop and curate high-confidence an EAD spectral library, including bile acids and complex lipid species

Computational and Method Development

• Contribute to development and testing of algorithms for EAD spectral interpretation and annotation
• Integrate metabolomics data with statistical modeling and emerging computational approaches
• Support development of reproducible data analysis pipelines

Scholarly Output and Funding

• Lead and contribute to manuscripts, conference presentations (e.g., ASMS, MANA), and grant proposals
• Maintain an independent and active research portfolio, including pursuit of fellowship and career development funding

Collaboration and Mentorship

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across MSU and HFH
• Mentor students and trainees in metabolomics workflows and data analysis

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Analytical chemistry, biochemistry, metabolomics, systems biology, or related field

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, metabolomics, systems biology, or related field

Strong experience in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics (LC–MS/MS required; HRMS preferred)

Experience with data analysis, spectral interpretation, and metabolomics software tools

Demonstrated publication record and ability to work independently

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Desired Qualifications

Experience with LCMS systems, with emphasis on Electron Activated Dissociation (EAD) on SCIEX ZenoTOF platforms, or other advanced fragmentation methods

Background in microbiome–metabolite interactions, inflammation, or cancer biology

Familiarity with computational approaches

Required Application Materials

CV

Cover Letter outlining research interests and experience

List of 3 professional references and contact information

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions. 

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.