Head of Mass Spectrometry (m/f) 100%

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