Unit Head Metabolomics at Functional Genomics Center Zurich

Unit Head Metabolomics at Functional Genomics Center Zurich

The Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ) is a joint state-of-the-art research and training facility of the ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. With latest technologies and key expertise for omics research, the FGCZ provides research services and project support to the Zurich life science research community.

The FGCZ Metabolomics Unit supports internal and external research groups by offering services, training, and instrument access. The analytical portfolio includes the identification and quantification of metabolites and lipids in body fluids, tissues, cell cultures, or single cells. The team covers all steps from user consultation and education, experimental design, sample collection and processing, to LC-MS/MS data acquisition, data processing, data analysis and -interpretation. The group is supported by IT and bioinformatics experts, as well as by the proteomics and genomics teams of the FGCZ for the support of multi- and cross omics approaches.

The FGCZ is looking for a highly motivated and skilled metabolomics expert to take over the challenging task to lead and further develop the FGCZ Metabolomics Unit, expand the analytical portfolio, services and training opportunities, and keep pace with the scientific and technical evolution of metabolomics. The position is available from 1st of September 2022 or upon agreement.

• Lead and further develop a team of currently two experienced scientists and a technician
• Coordinate the support and service activities of the group
• Ensure the communication with and support of the other FGCZ omics areas, as well as of the administrative section
• Monitor the evolution of metabolomics and lipidomics technologies and software tools in the field
• Evaluate and implement new analytical equipment and data analysis capabilities for the benefit of the local research community
• Constantly monitor the needs of the local and national research community and initiate internal and collaborative R&D activities accordingly
• Ensure standardized, transparent, well-documented and cost-effective workflows (SOPs, tutorials, reports- and manuscript templates)
• Offer practical metabolomics training courses to junior researchers (master students, PhD students, postdoctoral scientists)
• Maintain and expand the academic network and public outreach activities to ensure the visibility and impact of the Metabolomics Unit in the local, national, and international metabolomics community
• Continue established relationships with analytical technology and application developing research groups and commercial suppliers
• Participation in grant applications, national and international research activities of the FGCZ for the funding of R&D efforts
• Coordinate the overall mass spectrometry infrastructure and resources in collaboration with the head of the FGCZ Proteomics Unit
• Support FGCZ Administration in tariff calculation and cost reporting

A highly interesting position at the intersection of technology and life science research. Employment conditions are according to the regulations of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.

Training and professional development support includes

• Training opportunities in scientific and management areas
• Mentoring support by the directorship and national/international network activities of the FGCZ
• Dynamic and international team culture and team composition
• Highly modern working environment and employment conditions

Place of work is the University of Zurich Irchel Campus at Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland, where the FGCZ will be moving into its own newly erected building before the end of 2022, equipped with the latest infrastructure for cutting edge omics research.

You should be highly team-oriented, flexible, organized, and adaptable, and possess the following qualifications:

• PhD in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field with 5+ years of postgraduate experience, 2+ years of leadership experience
• Strong ambition to be a motivating team leader, teacher and developer of analytical methods and data analysis workflows
• Demonstrated ability to develop and teach team members in best practices and service provision
• Excellent understanding of MS-based method development and MS data processing/interpretation, including MS-based compound identification
• Ability to quickly identify and efficiently communicate project-matching analytical solutions within the cost-, capacity-, and time constraints
• Demonstrated practical experience in sample collection, sample processing for metabolomics/lipidomics analysis with a focus on reproducibility, recovery, and coverage
• Familiarity with univariate statistics and multivariate data analysis, as well as with R scripting, and metabolomics/lipidomics software tools like xcms, MSDial, MetaboAnalyst, Workflow4Metabolomics, or mixOmics
• Experience with cross omics approaches is considered a plus
• Ability to efficiently communicate across disciplines, including with collaborators possessing minimal knowledge of mass spectrometry and metabolomics/lipidomics
• Demonstrated capability to attract competitive method development or project funds
• Advanced knowledge of English is essential, as this is the working language of the center, knowledge of German is considered a plus.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Full CV
• Abstract-sized summary of envisaged support portfolio and method development plans
• Relevant certificates
• Reference letters when available

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the FGCZ can be found on our website www.fgcz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Ralph Schlapbach via e-mail ([email protected] or [email protected] ) (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich  apply.