Head of Mass Spectrometry (m/f) 100%

NCCR Children & Cancer

The Morscher Laboratory works at the intersection of pediatric oncology and fundamental research in metabolism. Stable isotope tracing is a core methodology of the lab - applied across cell culture, animal models, and directly in patients to map metabolic fluxes at quantitative resolution. We combine this with single-cell metabolomics, RNA mass spectrometry, and proteomics to decode metabolic programs from the whole organism down to the single cell - and to translate these insights into new treatment strategies for children with cancer.
Your responsibilities
  • You will lead the day-to-day operations of the MS platform, including scheduling, quality control and sample throughput across metabolomics, isotope tracing and other MS-omics workflows.
  • In this role, you drive method development for LC-MS/MS-based stable isotope tracing, metabolomics, RNA modifications and lipid analysis, including applications to in vivo and patient-derived samples.
  • You ensure high data quality, robust data management and fully reproducible workflows through rigorous QC and precise documentation.
  • You will co-develop and implement automated sample preparation workflows to increase throughput and improve reproducibility.
  • Co-design of the data acquisition and processing infrastructure around Orbitrap Astral instruments will be part of your responsibilities.
  • You maintain mass spectrometry instruments at the highest performance standards and manage service contracts as well as consumables.
  • Contribution to the development of single-cell mass spectrometry methods is expected as part of the lab's technology development agenda.
  • You actively contribute to research projects, from experimental planning and data interpretation through to manuscript writing.
  • Training and mentoring of graduate students, postdocs, and collaborators in MS techniques and experimental design is an important part of your work.
  • You advise on and support the procurement of future equipment and contribute to grant applications for infrastructure funding.
  • You represent the platform in internal and external collaborations across the Zurich life sciences community.
Your profile
  • Expert (MSc or PhD) in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field - with a strong mass spectrometry track record; Experience matters
  • Hands-on expertise with high-resolution LC-MS platforms, ideally including Orbitrap-based instruments
  • Proven experience in stable isotope tracing and/or metabolomics in a biological research context - this is central to the lab's work
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize analytical methods from first principles
  • Experience with or strong interest in laboratory automation - liquid handling systems, automated sample prep, or workflow scripting
  • Interest in or experience with single-cell mass spectrometry technologies is a plus
  • Experience mentoring or teaching MS techniques to non-specialists
  • Strong publication record showing independent scientific contributions
  • Experience running or co-running a core or research facility is a strong plus, not prerequisite
  • Fluent in English; German is an asset but not required

Your salary

The exact salary will depend on your education and professional experience. During the selection process, your salary will be determined in accordance with our salary guidelines.

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Contact

Dr. Dr. med. univ. (A) Raphael Morscher
Research Group Leader
+41 44 249 65 84

Onkologie
Yigit Baskan
HR Business Partner
+41 44 249 23 03 Apply now
Your start with us
We can offer you the position as early as possible.

The application process

After you have submitted your application via our online portal, we will consider it carefully. We will make an initial selection from among the applications received and then get in touch with you. If we progress to the interview stage, the following procedure will apply:

application process

Your benefits

Leave the car at home.

All employees with at least 50% employment level and a contract duration of 6 months or longer benefit from CHF 500 discount per year on the SBB GA travel card or get at least 25% discount on the ZVV BonusPass for the entire ZVV network.

Mix your own smoothies.

Enjoy the healthy and tasty menu of the day in our staff restaurant for just CHF 9.00. With a varied salad buffet, juice bar, muesli bar and cake buffet, the restaurant caters for every taste.

Have you heard about the "Frauenbadi"?

Don’t worry – there’s a men’s one too! Located in the heart of Europe and right next to a lake, Zurich strikes the perfect balance between modern city life and stunning nature. Zurich is the education and economic centre of Switzerland and hosts countless events and a wide range of activities – there’s some-thing for everyone! More information about working in Switzerland can be found here.

We love all children - including yours!

We have signed a contract with the GFZ foundation day care centre, located near the Kispi, meaning you can benefit from longer day care at the same price. Your children can stay at the day care centre from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.​

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We will help you through difficult times.

With an employment level of at least 20%, you will enjoy worldwide private insurance coverage in the event of an accident at work or in your free time. Even below 20%, you benefit from private occupational accident insurance with additional general coverage for non-occupational accidents.

Take a city break!

Every five years, you’ll be rewarded for your loyalty with extra holiday days. Previous roles at the Children’s Hospital will be counted.

Get well soon!

Have you worked for us for more than three months in at least a 0.2 FTE position? In most cases, you will benefit from Helsana daily sickness benefits insurance. In the event of illness, you will receive a daily allowance amounting to 80% of your salary for up to 720 days.

Head to the south!

If your five weeks of holiday aren’t enough, we’ll do our best to let you take unpaid holiday.

We fill your piggy bank

We assume 60% of your pension fund contributions, which exceeds the statutory minimum. As a part-time employee, you also benefit from a reduced coordination offset.

Spend more time with your children.

With interesting part-time roles available, we aim to give our employees the opportunity to balance their career with family life. For example, if you’ve just started a family or are finishing up a degree, you can look into reducing your working hours at the Children’s Hospital.

We'll update your vaccination record.

The staff doctor isn’t just there for emergencies – you can consult them about vaccinations and occupational health.

Let’s write history.

We work in the modern new building of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich in the Lengg district. The building combines pioneering architecture with state-of-the-art infrastructure and smooth work processes. Spacious rooms, innovative medical technology and a well-designed environment create the best conditions for our patients and everyone who works here. Help us shape the future of paediatric medicine.

Surpass yourself.

No matter what stage of your career you are at, the Children’s Hospital Zurich can help you go further. Our career models for nurses, doctors and in research offer you a huge variety of development opportunities for your specialist or management career.

Treat yourself.

We are a member of Corporate Benefits, the benefits portal for employees. This gives you attractive discounts and special conditions on many well-known brands from the worlds of fashion, technology, travel and leisure.

Kinderspital Zürich as an employer
Kinderspital Zürich is the largest university children's hospital in Switzerland with about 2,500 employees, and is one of the leading centres for paediatric and youth medicine in Europe. Although the hospital may be big, it's the little ones that count: up to 100,000 patients are cared for each year across 47 faculties, where we do everything in our power to ensure their well being. 'Kispi' not only offers cutting-edge devices and the highest quality of care, but also a good sense of interpersonal issues. Alongside its comprehensive range of paediatric medicine and surgery facilities, the children's hospital also offers a unique rehabilitation centre and a research centre.

Your location

Lenggstrasse 30
8008 Zürich
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