The following full-time (39,5h/week) position in Metabolomics research is available at Heidelberg University, to begin October 1, 2025 or as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Research Associate for Mass-Spectrometry Imaging / Spatial Metabolomics (f/m/d)

This position is funded by the MULTI-SPACE alliance of the Health & Life Science Alliance Heidelberg & Mannheim, supporting a joint Mass-Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) platform coordinated by the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg University, and the Medical Faculty Mannheim. The newly established state-of-the-art MSI system is located in the Metabolomics Core Technology Platform (MCTP).

We seek an enthusiastic scientist who will operate, develop, and continuously advance spatial metabolomics services, facilitating cutting-edge research across the Life Science Campus Heidelberg & Mannheim within the collaborative MULTI-SPACE initiative. Your tasks:

• Operate and maintain the new MSI platform (Bruker timsTOF fleX MALDI-2) including quality control, troubleshooting and routine upkeep
• Develop, optimize and validate sample-preparation and data-analysis workflows for spatial metabolomics, lipidomics and multimodal studies
• Act as contact for internal and external users: provide project consultation, training and hands-on support, schedule and prioritize measurements, and ensure timely data delivery
• Drive method development for single-cell MSI and integration with LC-MS and other spatial omics techniques within the MULTI-SPACE alliance
• Contribute intellectually to collaborative research projects, co-author publications, and present results at conferences; mentor students and technicians
• Maintain accurate documentation of protocols and instrument logs; liaise with service and facility management Your profile:
• PhD (or equivalent) in analytical/biological chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related life-science discipline
• Proven expertise in MSI; hands-on MALDI and spatial metabolomics experience required.
• Experience with Bruker timsTOF instruments or comparable high-resolution MS platforms is a strong plus
• Willingness to manage and initiate cooperative projects
• Service-oriented mind-set with excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Scientific track record
• Fluency in English; German proficiency or the willingness to learn is advantageous
• Familiarity with data-analysis / scripting tools (e.g. SCiLS Lab, METASPACE, R/Python) is welcomed We offer:
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary service platform environment embedded in Germany’s leading Life-Science campus
• Access to cutting-edge instrumentation (timsTOF fleX MALDI-2, cryotome, LMD) and diverse additional LC-MS and GC-MS systems
• Collaboration opportunities with world-class groups in cancer research, neurobiology, single-cell omics and AI-driven image analysis
• Tailored training, conference travel and central career-development support
• A collegial workplace in picturesque Heidelberg with excellent family-friendly benefits
• For more information on MULTI-SPACE, please visit https://www.health-life-sciences.de/multispace (https://www.health-life-sciences.de/multispace) The remuneration is according to TV-L E13. The position is full-time and currently limited until December 31, 2027.

Application

Please send one PDF (cover letter, CV, photo, certificates, publication list, and a brief summary of your MSI/MS expertise) by August 24, 2025 to cos-sekretariat360@listserv.uni-heidelberg.de (https://mailto:cos-sekretariat360@listserv.uni-heidelberg.de?subject=MSI%20Scientist%202025) .

State "MSI Scientist 2025” in the subject line.

Please mention in your application the analytical instruments and software you already worked with and your respective level of expertise.

For informal enquiries contact Dr. Gernot Poschet: gernot.poschet@cos.uni-heidelberg.de (https://mailto:gernot.poschet@cos.uni-heidelberg.de)

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunity and diversity. We highly value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. People with a severe disability will be given priority if they are equally qualified. Information on job postings and data protection can be found at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market (https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market) .

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