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/div)

(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, that 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. Job description and qualifications

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 multidisci­plinary environment. In return, we offer an enriching, supportive, and healthy work environ­ment with flat hierarchies and stimulating tasks.

Main 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
• Playing a lead role in the maximization of the instrument up time by analyzing technical problems and recommending modifications to eliminate future issues
• Leading 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
• Taking an active part in the advancement of highly robust and streamlined pipelines for proteomics measure­ments in a clinical context

Profile

• 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

Employment conditions
Payment will be according to qualifi­cations and in accordance with TVöD (Bund) (collective agreement for the public service). 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.

To apply
Have we aroused your interest? Please submit your application via our online application website by February 15^th, 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.