Senior Consultant, Mass Spectrometry, University of Copenhagen

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen is looking for a Senior Consultant to lead the Proteomics Platform from starting 1 July 2024, or upon agreement.

About us
The Proteomics Program analyses all protein variants in a sample to identify proteins involved in disease and disease biomarkers. Proteomics reveals the identity and amounts of proteins and their modifications in a biological sample. Through innovative use and development of mass spectrometry technology, the program focuses on finding the proteins that are responsible for various diseases.

Results from proteomics can ultimately provide knowledge to develop drugs that can cure the most dominant diseases in the world including specific types of cancer or metabolic diseases like diabetes. Advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a key technology to The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) at the University of Copenhagen. Therefore, a position is offered to lead, develop and maintain the established proteomics platform to support the proteomics research groups at CPR. The CPR promotes basic and applied research on proteins of medical relevance. The research scope spans in-silico biology, proteomics, biochemistry and cell biology, and the unifying theme is the identification and functional exploration of proteins and protein pathways involved in disease mechanisms. For more information: Mass Spectrometry Platform

Your tasks
The successful candidate is expected to work as a team member to provide mass spectrometry (MS) equipment support and expertise for maintaining and developing the MS instrument park and the associated IT and computational infrastructure at the highest international level. The proteomics platform houses twelve high-end MS instruments coupled to ultra-high pressure LC (UHLPC) equipment, are all based upon the latest generation of Orbitrap mass spectrometers. All MS instruments are used in a 24-7 mode of operation for both internal research projects as well as collaborations. The candidate will refer directly to the Professor Jesper Velgaard Olsen, who can prioritize among the listed tasks when necessary.

Your tasks will also include:

• Coordinate and lead the work in the proteomics platform to support all research groups in the proteomics program.
• Administrative tasks such as budget overview, instrument status and daily task-prioritization.
• Perform on-site repair, maintenance, qualification, and validation of advanced mass spectrometers coupled to upstream peptide separation by liquid chromatography:
• This may include: Cleaning of instruments, trouble-shooting, refurbishing, ordering spare-parts and changing instrumental components such as electronic boards and critical mechanical parts of the instrument.
• The selected candidate will be the first-in-line contact person for all MS and UHPLC services and repair; and for provision of advanced maintenance work.
• Advanced troubleshooting based on output data from quality control samples or experimental samples.
• Should be able to analyze technical problems and recommend modifications to eliminate future problems.
• Coordinate problem resolution with LC/MS manufactory customer service, or other personnel to expedite repairs.
• Responsible for weekly performance assessment of all the mass spectrometric equipment in the department.
• This includes setting up and/or maintaining automated evaluation of MS-performance to diagnose and pre-empt issues.
• Maintenance and support of mass spectrometric IT-systems and data back-up solutions such as the Ardia platform.
• Provide assistance in various MS-based experimental projects and MS method development.
• Initiate and set up automated solutions for lab-work.
• Setting up and/or conducting seminars and introductory workshops related to LC-MS.
• Co-authoring publications, when relevant.

Your Profile

• We expect candidates with a PhD in analytical chemistry or proteomics or equivalent all-round experience in the field to apply.
• The practical and technical experience of the applicants will be one of the main criteria.
• Prior experience with technical or engineering support in mass spectrometry-based techniques is not required, but will be regarded a distinct advantage.
• Experience with the proteomics workflow, from sample-prep to data-analysis will be a distinct advantage.
• Detailed knowledge and knowhow about repairing, maintaining and diagnostics of MS-instrumentation such as Orbitrap Astral, Orbitrap Exploris 480, Orbitrap Lumos and timsTOFs will be regarded an advantage.
• Some degree of programming knowledge as well as experience in automation will be an advantage.
• Experience in and training in the area of advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
• Experience in administration of a university entity, such as a platform, is an advantage.
• Willingness to support multiple projects and interact with scientists throughout the Proteomics Program.
• Service-minded and team-player.
• Communication skills, fluent in English language.

Employment conditions 
The employment is a full time and will be as senior consultant (chefkonsulent med personaleledelse), in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations), with the possibility to negotiate a salary supplement based on prior experiences and qualifications. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

More information 
For more information, please contact Professor Jesper Velgaard Olsen, jesper.olsen@cpr.ku.dk
 
Your application

The application must be submitted in English and must include the following documents:

• Application, including motivations for applying for this position (Maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD, and other relevant certificates)

Application deadline: 1 May 2024

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

UCPH is in the process of designing a new shared administrative organisation at UCPH, which is expected to lead to changes within the next 12 - 18 months. The purpose of the administrative reform is, among other things, to strengthen cross-organisational cooperation, increase efficiency, and ensure good career paths for administrative staff members at UCPH. The reform will lead to cutbacks on administration. You are encouraged to contact [manager's name and telephone number + possibly staff representative's name] to learn more about the connection between this position and the administrative reform.