Postdoc Position in Proteomics and Biomarker Discovery 80 %

The Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry at the Zürich University of Applied Sciences is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics, Biomarker Discovery, and Protein Biochemistry.

School: Life Sciences und Facility Management

Starting date: Review of applications for this SNF funded position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled

This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct innovative research in proteomics and biomarker discovery, with a focus on integrating biochemical workflows with advanced mass spectrometry technologies to discover new disease specific biomarkers and potential drug targets. Your primary responsibilities:

• Leveraging experience with advanced LC-MS/MS systems (e.g., Q-TOF, Orbitrap, etc) and adapting methodologies to the research objectives.
• Designing and establishing cutting-edge workflows and conducting discovery and targeted proteomics experiments using advanced techniques such as, data-independent acquisition (DIA), label-free quantification (LFQ), or isotopic labeling to achieve comprehensive proteome coverage and precise quantitation of biomolecules.
• Analyzing complex proteomics datasets using state-of-the-art data analysis tools and interpreting results in a biological context.
• Establishing and implementing biochemical workflows, including protein purification, pull-down assays, and immunoprecipitation (IP), for studying protein interactions and functional characterization.
• Development of chemoproteomics workflows by using activity-based probes for targeting and profiling active proteins and integrating this data with conventional proteomics approaches for biomarker discovery and functional studies
• Handling diverse human biological samples, including plasma, serum, and tissues
• Supporting the development of cellular models for functional studies
• working independently while actively collaborating with group members on shared projects, publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, assist in application for third-party funding and present findings at lab meetings and international conferences.
• Supervise junior staff, and support teaching activities of students within the institute.
• A Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field.
• A strong publication record demonstrating proficiency in advanced mass spectrometry technologies and proteomics workflows.
• Hands-on experience with high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems (e.g., Q-TOF or Orbitrap) and their applications in complex biological systems and familiarity with sample preparation techniques for proteomics, including protein extraction, digestion, and fractionation.
• Expertise in proteomics data analysis using state of the art software.
• Competence in protein biochemistry, performing biochemical assays and workflows and working with human clinical samples (Serum, Plasma, tissues, etc).
• Additional experience in working with chemoproteomics workflows or expertise in combining limited proteolysis with mass spectrometry will be given a special consideration.
• Experience in cell biology or cell culturing techniques (2D and 3D) techniques is considered a plus.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

Life Sciences and Facility Management: Study and research in Wädenswil: practical, creative, passionate and reflective. Our expertise in life sciences and facility management in the areas of the environment, food and health enables us to make a vital contribution to solving social challenges and improving quality of life.

Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology: We research and teach, starting with molecules, through organisms, to sustainable production processes.

The Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology (ICBT) is one of the scientific institutes at the ZHAW. It conducts applied research on cutting-edge topics relating to health, chemistry, biotechnology and the environment - from antibiotic resistance and antiviral agents to microplastics and more sustainable chemical processes. The institute trains young people for the growing life sciences market in three bachelor's programmes and two master's courses.

Our understanding of chemistry and biotechnology is that it involves the linking of discoveries in the natural sciences with technological knowledge, with the aim of applying biological systems to the analysis and manufacture of products. The focus is on applications in the areas of pharma, food and ecology

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

Prof. Dr. Sandro Manni

Head of Clinical Chemistry unit

Manuela Laure

Recruiting Manager