Research Scientist in Metabolomics and Exposomics

Employment Type:
Full time, In-person, 1 year with the possibility to extend, start Fall/Winter 2026
The Comprehensive Laboratory for Untargeted Exposome Science (CLUES) in the Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health at Emory University seeks applications for an
entry-level
research position that will involve untargeted profiling of endogenous and exogenous metabolites, nutrients, and toxins in human biofluids and other matrices. We are an internationally recognized laboratory in the emerging field of exposome research and provide ample opportunities for training in cutting edge high-resolution mass spectrometry methods that explore exciting research questions at the interface of environment, multi-omics and human health. The position will support daily operation of liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) platforms for research and service activities that apply omic-based untargeted and targeted methods for precision medicine and exposome research projects. Candidates will receive extensive training and hands on experience in automated biological sample preparation, operation of LC-HRMS platforms, chemical identification and confirmation, processing of untargeted HRMS data, and method optimization. Areas of study include environmental determinants of non-communicable diseases (cancer and other metabolic diseases), measuring complex exposures of emerging concern, including microplastics, PFAS, and e-waste, and establishing OMIC-based strategies for universal chemical surveillance and bioeffect monitoring. The facility currently houses five LC-HRMS (Thermo Exploris 120 Orbitraps) and two GC-HRMS (Thermo GC-Exploris Orbitraps), and has plans to strengthen its technology base further. The exposome provides a new paradigm for understanding how complex exposures drive adverse health outcomes, and candidates will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of technological and data science methods for this emerging field of research.
Opportunities:
Authorship/co-authorship of peer-reviewed articles.
Attending seminars and conferences to present results.
Hands-on training in advanced liquid-chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry and laboratory automation.
Responsibilities include:
Daily preparation of biological or environmental samples for analysis by LC-HRMS.
Run and monitor LC-HRMS instruments: preparation of mobile phases, condition columns, verify suitability, monitor sequences, and perform maintenance
Daily evaluation of instrument performance and QA/QC, with ability to troubleshoot if results do not satisfy pass/fail criteria.
Method development, verification, and establishing assay suitability criteria.
Perform chemical identification analysis, including MS/MS, running of standards, and creating confirmed metabolite databases.
Summarization and reporting of targeted and untargeted HRMS data.
Receipt, cataloging, and inventory of environmental and biological samples.
Contribute to preparation of grant applications, reports, and manuscripts.
Assisting with oversight of research projects and meeting project deadlines.
Assist with ordering of laboratory supplies and consumables.
Knowledge/Skills:
The ideal candidate for this position must exhibit meticulous attention to detail, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, possess strong quantitative laboratory skills, and be familiar with good laboratory practices. Candidates should have a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, mass spectrometry, engineering, or other analytical chemistry related fields. Experience with LC- or GC-MS is preferred, but willing to train the right candidate. They must also have strong organizational and time management skills,
with the ability to work independently, as well as in teams, to meet project timelines
. Candidates who may not have extensive experience but are eager to learn and highly organized are encouraged to apply.
Our laboratory is located within the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. The Rollins School of Public Health is ranked 2nd among public health graduate schools by U.S. News & World Report and ranked number 4 in the Blue Ridge Report amongst schools of public health receiving NIH support. The Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health houses researchers with interests spanning Environmental Health, including mechanistic and computational toxicology, genomics, the developmental origins of disease, air pollution, climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene, and environmental epidemiology. Within the department is Emory’s HERCULES Health and Exposome Research center, an NIEHS P30 Environmental Health Support Center and the first Exposome Research Center in the US. The team-science approach in this department provides opportunities to co-author publications with leading collaborators. We offer numerous opportunities for career advancement, including the ability to attend workshops on topics related to the exposome, mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry, and travel to national and international conferences. Work-related experience will be considered in determining level and salary.
Application process:
Interested candidates should email a cover letter including a summary of research interests and experience, as well as their curriculum vitae, to both Douglas Walker (douglas.walker@emory.edu) and Catherine Mullins (catherine.elaine.mullins@emory.edu)