Inhaltspezifische Aktionen

Postdoctoral Expert Chemical-Analytical Infrastructure Metabolomics (f,m,d)

The Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) aims for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental and social sciences. IGZ is based in Großbeeren close to Potsdam and Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). IGZ conducts strategic and international research for the sustainable production and use of vegetables, contributing to food security, human well-being and the conservation of natural resources. At IGZ, researchers from different disciplines work together on core-funded and grant-funded projects, in collaboration with national and international research partners.

At IGZ several research groups are involved with the study of adaptive plant responses to changes in their abiotic and biotic environment. IGZ runs a range of chemical-analytical mass spectrometry platforms, including GC-MS, GC-qToF-MS, TED-GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-qToF-MS, LC-IonTrap-MS to analyse plant responses on metabolomic and proteomic levels.

To strengthen our capacity in developing these technologies, we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated

Postdoctoral Expert Chemical-Analytical Infrastructure Metabolomics (f,m,d)

Reference number: 29/2022/D

Starting date: 1 March 2023. Employment will be initially for two years with prospect of a permanent position upon a satisfactory evaluation of your performance after 1.5 years using IGZ criteria for research infrastructure postdoctoral careers. The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, salary domain east, up to EG13, full time. A part-time position is negotiable.

This position will be embedded in the research group “Plant Biotic Interactions”, which aims to unravel the molecular and chemical mechanisms governing interactions between plants and organisms in their environment. In parallel, we are advertising for a postdoctoral expert in GC-MS analysis (Reference number 30/2022/D). Both postdoctoral experts will develop and analyse experiments addressing questions in plant biotic interactions for 50% of their time. Additionally, they will support other IGZ groups by providing training, expert advice and technical expertise. It is foreseen that the two experts will closely interface with the proteomics expert at IGZ, running a Maldi-ToF and an Orbitrap MS to share analytical expertise, data processing approaches and experience with user support.

Tasks include

  • developing methods for plant, insects, and other biological samples on our MS platforms
  • supporting the running and maintenance of the platforms, coordination of platform users
  • developing workflows for data processing, analysis, and interpretation of molecular structures
  • providing hands-on training for users of the MS platforms
  • presentations to national and international audiences
  • (co)- writing scientific publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals
  • support the acquisition of funding for projects and the platform infrastructure
  • advise users on data and code sharing in open access repositories following FAIR principles
  • networking with Leibniz, national and international metabolomics initiatives and organizations

We are looking for candidates with

  • a PhD degree in (bio)chemistry, food chemistry, plant sciences, biology or equivalent with emphasis on (plant)metabolomics or phytochemistry
  • experience with running biological experiments and sampling approaches for (plant) metabolomics
  • hands-on experience with running and maintaining mass spectrometric platforms, in particular for LC-MS-based metabolomics, such as LC-MS/MS, Quadrupole Time of Flight LC/MS, including quality control
  • experience with metabolomics data workflows, using reference databases and in silico compound identification approaches, including the interpretation and validation of mass spectral data
  • experience with multivariate statistical analyses (R, Matlab, etc.) including model validation and interpretation of results
  • excellent knowledge of the English language, in speaking and writing, as evidenced by your publication record.
  • a responsible personality and excellent communication skills
  • experience with genetically modified organisms (S1) and proficiency in the German language are of advantage

We offer

  • an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the art research facilities
  • support in developing a career in research infrastructures as defined by Leibniz and IGZ guidelines
  • clear and transparent criteria for performance evaluation
  • a vibrant and international community of scientists close to Berlin and Potsdam
  • flexible and family-friendly working time models

For questions, please contact: Prof. Nicole van Dam (vandam@igzev.de); phone: +49-33701 - 78 105

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief or ethnic origin. In an effort to increase the proportion of female employees in this area, we specifically urge women scientists to apply for the position.

We prefer to receive applications, including a motivation letter, your CV, copies of relevant certificates, and the names and addresses of two references by email to personal@igzev.de in pdf format by 08.01.2023. Clearly indicate which of the postdoctoral positions you are applying to, refer to the titles and numbers above. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.