Research Engineer for Clinical Proteomics Mass Spectrometry

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research?

At the Department of Oncology-Pathology basic, translational and clinical research and educational activities related to cancer is carried out. Approximately 300 people from over 40 nations are currently working at the department. About 30 research groups with various cancer research profiles are involved and we have around 110 PhD students. The Department of Oncology-Pathology is responsible for undergraduate courses in Pathology, Oncology and Forensic Medicine for medical students, as well as for Tumor biology courses for biomedicine students and Pathology courses for opticians.

The position is within the regional and the national core facilities led by Professor Janne Lehtiö, located at the Science for Life Laboratory in Solna. The regional core facility is tasked with aiding users of Swedish universities and industry with mass spectrometry (MS) based proteomics projects. The national facility (SciLifeLab/BioMS) offers infrastructure for biological mass spectrometry (www.bioms.se). Combined, the regional and national facilities offer a unique research infrastructure and expertise with focus on MS-based proteomics and proteogenomics. The core facility works in close collaboration with Prof. Janne Lehtiö’s research group, where MS-based proteomics methods are constantly developed and applied to studies aiming at improving individualized cancer therapy. This collaboration is a prerequisite for the core facility’s ability to offer services at the forefront of MS based proteomics.

We are now looking for a PhD-level research engineer with experience of core facility work or equivalent to join the team working in the Mass Spectrometry core facility.

Learn more about the Lehtiö lab and Clinical Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Core Facility.

Your mission

The responsibilities accompanying this position include sample preparation, bio analytical work, analysis and reporting of protein/peptide expression, method development, use/optimization of the MS instruments, data analysis and data interpretation. Experiences in method development, data analysis and reporting are important.

The role also includes reporting analysis results to facility users, taking part of undergraduate/postgraduate teaching/training and representing the facilities at national and international meetings and conferences.

The research engineer will be part of a research infrastructure, working closely with project scientists, postdoctoral fellows, PhD-students, undergraduate students, and external users/customers within academia and industry. Important aspects of the job include:

Preparation of clinical and in-vitro samples for proteomics
Experimental analysis of samples by mass spectrometry
Compiling and analyzing proteomics data
Continuous contact with customers by email and phone

The work involves a combination of flexible and routine tasks and places a great emphasis on independence, initiative, precision, and planning. The position involves a variety of tasks in a stimulating research environment. Nice and helpful colleagues contribute to a good working environment within the group.

A large part of the job may be contact with customers/researchers from a wide range of fields, which is an exciting, interesting and instructive part of the work. The facility/research group is located at the Science for Life Laboratory with spacious and modern facilities.

We are seeking a highly motivated research engineer to be part of our mass spectrometry core facility.

Your profile

The successful candidate needs to meet our requirements.

Requirements:

PhD degree in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology or in a related field
Years of experience in core facility work
Extensive hands-on experience of laboratory work and ability to follow SOPs
Experience with techniques applied to sample preparation for proteomics, including protein extraction, clean-up (e.g. by solid phase extraction), protein concentration measurement, as well as protein depletion and/or equalization methodologies and protein and peptide separation/fractionation using gel-based electrophoresis (1D, 2D and HiRIEF).
Hands-on experience with Single-Pot Solid-Phase-enhanced Sample Preparation (SP3) and in gel/in solution protein reduction/alkylation and protein digestion techniques
Practical experience in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
Experience in Mass spectrometry Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Experience in quantitative MS-based proteomics (TMT10 plex, TMT16 plex)
Good knowledge in methods used for analysis of omics data
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Good knowledge (both speaking and writing) of English

Merit:

Competence/experience in MS-based clinical proteomics research
Competence/experience in cell culture.
Competence in sample preparation and mass spectrometry analysis of native peptides and immunopeptidome
Collaborative experience with hospitals and clinical sample handling.
Data management and data services
Strong interests of working in centralized shared research infrastructures

We place great emphasis on personal suitability. To succeed in the role, it is important that the applicant has a personal drive and flexible mind to handle the rapidly developing field of proteomics and the need of custom-based solutions in many projects. The applicant should be responsible, appreciate daily detailed work as well as have the ability to see the big picture. The applicant should be an effective communicator, have good organizational skills, and be able to prioritize at times when the workload is high. The applicant should be able to collaborate with people of different backgrounds and at different levels, both within the group and with users from various disciplines.

What do we offer?

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Application

Welcome to apply at the latest 30th of November.

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system. Permanent positions is initiated by a six months trial period.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all