Scientist/Senior Scientist in Mass Spectrometry-based Proteome Research

Scientist/Senior Scientist in Mass Spectrometry-based Proteome Research

University of Helsinki - Institute of Biotechnology

Helsinki, Finland

Your Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist/Senior Scientist to join the Viikki Proteomics Unit. This is primarily a hands-on core-facility position: the appointee will help deliver reliable proteomics services, support facility users, maintain robust daily operations, and develop methods that can be implemented across the HPC service portfolio. The role is therefore best suited to a collaborative scientist who is motivated by enabling the research of others as well as advancing proteomics technology.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Development

• Investigate and evaluate new sample preparation protocols for bottom-up proteomics, including protein digestion, peptide clean-up, enrichment of post-translationally modified peptides, and handling sub-nanogram protein quantities;
• Optimize protocols for sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, and evaluate new MS data-acquisition and analysis workflows for implementation as new or improved HPC services.

Operational Support

• Perform day-to-day technical operation of the high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems;
• Prepare customer and internal samples using validated facility protocols;
• Participate in routine maintenance of existing equipment, quality-control checks, and troubleshooting;
• Maintain accurate records of instrument usage, downtime, maintenance, and experimental procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with HPC colleagues to maintain an efficient, safe, and well-organized core-facility laboratory, and coordinate priorities to deliver high-quality results within agreed timelines;
• Advise facility users on experimental design, sample requirements, available technologies, instrument capabilities and limitations, and realistic expected outcomes;
• Prepare clear reports, discuss results and appropriate next steps with users, and provide evidence-based recommendations to HPC leadership on new platforms, methods, and technologies.

Administrative Duties

• Oversee inventory and coordinate procurement to ensure uninterrupted operation of the Viikki Proteomics Unit;
• Work with service contract providers to restore operations of the LC-MS/MS system promptly after system downtime.

Qualifications

Educational Background

• Master's degree required; Ph.D. preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related life science discipline.

Experience

• 2+ years of research experience with proteomic or related technologies;
• Strong background in protein chemistry is required;
• Experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics is highly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in using both vendor-specific and publicly available software tools for MS data analysis;
• Detail-oriented both at the lab bench and with record-keeping;
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.

Soft Skills

• Excellent time management and organizational abilities;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, service-oriented team environment;
• Willingness to learn, standardize, document, and routinely apply a range of sample preparation protocols;
• Ability to provide demonstrations and training to facility users with varying levels of proteomics experience;
• Motivation to expand data-analysis expertise and contribute to user support and reporting.