Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich

Head of Mass Spectrometry 80 - 100 %

Start of employment As soon as possible, temporary

NCCR Children & 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

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Further information

Questions about the job

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

Contact question to: Dr. Dr. med. univ. (A) Raphael Morscher

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.

Questions about the application procedure

Yigit Baskan HR Business Partner +41 44 249 23 03
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Contact question to: Yigit Baskan

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
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. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Working at UZH

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. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
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