Staff Scientist - Mass Spectrometry Core Facility

Staff Scientist - Mass Spectrometry Core Facility

FMP - Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie

Berlin, Germany

The Staff Scientist is responsible for providing expert-level support for mass spectrometry analyses, including experimental design, data acquisition, and data interpretation. This role involves developing and optimizing methodologies, assisting users from diverse research backgrounds, and maintaining and troubleshooting mass spectrometry instrumentation. The candidate must demonstrate deep expertise in general proteomics, and extensive hands-on experience in processing diverse sets of samples ranging from cell and tissue samples to low-amount samples for example human samples for clinical proteomics, as well as in establishing pipelines for automated sample handling and data processing and for large-scale cohort studies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and optimize the sample management process, ensuring efficient workflow for high-throughput studies;
• Ensure optimal performance of mass spectrometers (together with the engineer);
• Develop and validate new analytical protocols (together with the technician);
• Test and optimize instrument parameters for different applications needed by the facility;
• Provide expert-level user support, including training on instrument operation, assisting with sample preparation, method optimization, and complex data analysis;
• Adapt and optimize advanced quantitative proteomic techniques (e.g., PTM analysis, TMT, label-free quantification, DIA);
• Implement and apply protocols for crosslinking mass spectrometry and interactomics pioneered by the Liu research lab;
• Collaborate with researchers on projects; contribute to scientific publications;
• Diagnose and resolve complex instrument, software, and analytical challenges to minimize downtime;
• Establish automated sample handling and data processing pipelines for low-amount samples;
• Maintain documentation of maintenance logs, instrument status, experiment protocols, optimization experiments and quality records.

Your profile:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Proteomics, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and extensive practical experience;
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in proteomics with a proven track record of accomplishment, ideally involving low-abundance samples applications;
• 5+ years of practical experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting LC-MS instrumentation;
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams;
• Demonstrated experience in developing automated sample handling and data processing pipelines for high-throughput analyses;
• Proven experience managing laboratory operations, including quality system implementation, documentation and method validation.