Universität Zürich · education
Head of Mass Spectrometry
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- You will lead the day-to-day operations of the MS platform, including scheduling, quality control and sample throughput across metabolomics, isotope tracing and other MS-omics workflows.
- In this role, you drive method development for LC-MS/MS-based stable isotope tracing, metabolomics, RNA modifications and lipid analysis, including applications to in vivo and patient-derived samples.
- You ensure high data quality, robust data management and fully reproducible workflows through rigorous QC and precise documentation.
- You will co-develop and implement automated sample preparation workflows to increase throughput and improve reproducibility.
- Co-design of the data acquisition and processing infrastructure around Orbitrap Astral instruments will be part of your responsibilities.
- You maintain mass spectrometry instruments at the highest performance standards and manage service contracts as well as consumables.
- Contribution to the development of single-cell mass spectrometry methods is expected as part of the lab's technology development agenda.
- You actively contribute to research projects, from experimental planning and data interpretation through to manuscript writing.
- Training and mentoring of graduate students, postdocs, and collaborators in MS techniques and experimental design is an important part of your work.
- You advise on and support the procurement of future equipment and contribute to grant applications for infrastructure funding.
- You represent the platform in internal and external collaborations across the Zurich life sciences community.
- Expert (MSc or PhD) in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field - with a strong mass spectrometry track record; Experience matters
- Hands-on expertise with high-resolution LC-MS platforms, ideally including Orbitrap-based instruments
- Proven experience in stable isotope tracing and/or metabolomics in a biological research context - this is central to the lab's work
- Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize analytical methods from first principles
- Interest in or experience with single-cell mass spectrometry technologies is a plus
- Experience mentoring or teaching MS techniques to non-specialists
- Strong publication record showing independent scientific contributions
- Experience running or co-running a core or research facility is a strong plus, not prerequisite
- Fluent in English; German is an asset but not required