Research Scientist

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Position Description:

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.

Essential Duties and 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

• Experience in metabolomics, microbial metabolite analysis, and translational biomedical research.

• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills, a strong commitment to research excellence, and the ability to work collaboratively while mentoring students and laboratory personnel.

Competencies

• 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.

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 2315 South First Street Walk, Room 02C - Louisville, Kentucky 40292.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu or by phone 502-852-6258.