Universität Zürich · education
Staff Mass Spectrometrist
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
- You operate and maintain the mass spectrometry infrastructure, including Orbitrap Astral instruments and supporting LC systems, ensuring consistently high performance.
- Coordination, preparation, and processing of biological samples for stable isotope tracing, metabolomics, epitranscriptomics, and other MS-omics analyses - including low-input and single-cell samples - are part of your responsibilities.
- You support the implementation of automated sample preparation pipelines to increase throughput and improve reproducibility.
- Hands-on guidance and training of students and postdocs in the use of the instruments is an important part of your role.
- You actively contribute to the development and optimization of LC-MS methods for metabolite quantification, isotope enrichment, lipid profiling, and modified nucleotides.
- Routine instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance are carried out by you independently.
- You support data acquisition as well as initial QC and processing pipelines.
- You perform MS data processing and analysis across applications and collaborative projects, ensuring high data quality and consistency.
- You manage MS data across projects to ensure traceability, organization, and -reproducibility.
- You also help manage consumables, sample logistics, and platform documentation.
- Expert (MSc or PhD) in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field
- Solid practical experience with LC-MS/MS - ideally on Orbitrap-based instruments
- Background in stable isotope tracing and/or metabolomics in a biological setting is strongly preferred
- Interest in or experience with laboratory automation - liquid handling, automated sample prep, or scripted workflows
- Curiosity about emerging technologies, particularly single-cell mass spectrometry, is a genuine plus
- Methodical, detail-oriented, and comfortable troubleshooting complex instrument issues
- Able to work independently and communicate clearly with researchers at all levels
- Experience in a core facility, CRO, or research lab environment is valued
- English required; German is a plus