Staff Mass Spectrometrist

You operate and maintain the mass spectrometry infrastructure, including Orbitrap Astral instruments and supporting LC systems, ensuring consistently high performance. Coordination, preparation, and processing of biological samples for stable isotope tracing, metabolomics, epitranscriptomics, and other MS-omics analyses - including low-input and single-cell samples - are part of your responsibilities. You support the implementation of automated sample preparation pipelines to increase throughput and improve reproducibility. Hands-on guidance and training of students and postdocs in the use of the instruments is an important part of your role. You actively contribute to the development and optimization of LC-MS methods for metabolite quantification, isotope enrichment, lipid profiling, and modified nucleotides. Routine instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance are carried out by you independently. You support data acquisition as well as initial QC and processing pipelines. You perform MS data processing and analysis across applications and collaborative projects, ensuring high data quality and consistency. You manage MS data across projects to ensure traceability, organization, and reproducibility. You also help manage consumables, sample logistics, and platform documentation.

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education.

• Expert (MSc or PhD) in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field

• Solid practical experience with LC-MS/MS - ideally on Orbitrap-based instruments

• Background in stable isotope tracing and/or metabolomics in a biological setting is strongly preferred

• Interest in or experience with laboratory automation - liquid handling, automated sample prep, or scripted workflows

• Curiosity about emerging technologies, particularly single-cell mass spectrometry, is a genuine plus

• Methodical, detail-oriented, and comfortable troubleshooting complex instrument issues

• Able to work independently and communicate clearly with researchers at all levels

• Experience in a core facility, CRO, or research lab environment is valued

• English required; German is a plus