Mass Spectrometry Specialist (m/f/d)

Job Code: 384

Job Offer from December 20, 2021

The Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB) in Martinsried (near Munich, Germany) is one of the leading international research institutions in the fields of biochemistry, cell and structural biology and biomedical research. With about 30 scientific departments and research groups and about 750 employees, the MPIB is one of the largest institutes of the Max Planck Society.

For the department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction led by Prof. Dr. Matthias Mann together with the Mass spectrometry core facility headed by Dr. Barbara Steigenberger, we are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Mass Spectrometry Specialist (m/f/d) (initial appointment period of two years with the possibility of extension).

The “Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction” at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry is headed by Prof. Dr. Matthias Mann, a pioneer in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics, who is among the most cited researchers worldwide (h-index 242 in Google scholar). The department is heavily invested in creating robust MS workflows that include novel high-throughput method-development and bioinformatics tools for their application to diverse clinical and biological questions. In particular, we strive to develop methods and biomarkers for early disease detection with the aim of improving patient care and public health. We are a diverse and international group with an excellent network of academic and industry partners.

The proposed position is to be shared with the “Mass Spectrometry Core Facility” at the MPIB, headed by Dr. Barbara Steigenberger and provides state-of-the-art MS-support including mass spectrometry-based characterization of intact proteins and structural proteomics to all research groups at the MPIB.

Working in synergy with the two departments, the successful candidate will significantly contribute to the development of next generation LC-MS technology and its application in proteomics. Within our team you are expected to work effectively as a team member to ensure that the instrumentation is operating at the highest possible level, to provide LC-MS equipment support and expertise, and to participate actively in the technological development of our platforms. Together, we have more than 15 of the latest generation MS instruments (Thermo Orbitrap and Bruker time-of-flight). Striving towards 24/7 operation, this poses challenges in keeping the systems performing robustly and reproducibly. Accordingly, you will have strong technical, engineering and analytical skills and thrive in an ambitious and multi-disciplinary environment. In return, we offer an enriching, supportive and healthy work environment with flat hierarchies and stimulating tasks.

• Installation of new equipment, optimization and evaluation of state-of-the-art MS and HPLC systems and additional components through close collaboration with manufacturers like Thermo Scientific and Bruker Daltonics.
• Play a lead role in the maximization of the instrument up time by analyzing technical problems and recommending modifications to eliminate future issues.
• Lead responsibility for the evaluation and documentation of MS and HPLC performance, execution of troubleshooting, cleaning procedures and repairs.
• Weekly MS and HPLC instrument maintenance procedures, including calibration and quality control checks.
• Guidance and assistance of departmental staff (students and postdocs) in the use and troubleshooting of these systems on a day-to-day basis.
• Ongoing implementation of newly published MS-based workflows for the benefit of our diverse customer base.
• Implementation of software to automate instrument bookings and performance assessments.
• Take an active part in the advancement of highly robust and streamlined pipelines for proteomics measurements in a clinical context.

• Master of Science or PhD degree in engineering, chemistry, biochemistry or equivalent.
• More than two years of experience in the use of mass spectrometers and nano-/UHPLC systems is mandatory and in-depth knowledge and hands on experience with repair, maintenance and troubleshooting of Orbitrap and/or quadrupole time-of-flight MS instrumentation will be regarded as an asset.
• Experience and training in advanced MS-based proteomics or other MS-based-omics technologies, knowledge of data analysis and programming or scripting skills will be regarded as a distinctive advantage.
• Fluent communication skills in English, while German skills would be advantageous.
• Open-minded and enthusiastic team-player, with strong commitment and work ethic, keen to work in a multi-disciplinary and international environment, with a willingness to support multiple projects and interact with scientists.

Payment will be according to qualifications and in accordance with TVöD (Bund) (German public service tariff scale). The initial appointment will be shared between the two departments for two years with the possibility for extension.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Have we aroused your interest? Please submit your application via the online application website by 15 February 2022.

Please include a cover letter detailing your motivation and qualification, your CV with up to three references and other relevant documents. Application should be in English. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.