Senior Researcher, Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics and Protein Analysis Core Facility, Biocenter Oulu

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Senior Researcher in Proteomics and Protein Analysis (PPA) Core Facility

Biocenter Oulu (BCO) is a multidisciplinary research institute of the University of Oulu to advance the quality and productivity of research in the fields of life sciences and biomedicine. Biocenter Oulu provides open-access infrastructure services in eight technology platforms including Proteomics and Protein Analysis (PPA) Core Facility. Biocenter Oulu offers an inspiring and international working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. PPA Core Facility is one of the nodes of the Biocenter Finland technology platform Protein Proteome Network (PPN), which is now selected as a part of the Roadmap of Finnish Research Infrastructures.

Description of the position

Applications are invited for a full-time position as a Senior Researcher in the PPA Core Facility offering services in mass spectrometry for a wide spectrum of samples ranging from small molecules to large biomolecules from our diverse set of clients from academia and industry. The emphasis is more on the characterization and quantification of peptides and proteins, from measuring full-length proteins to bottom-up analysis of proteomes.

To perform these tasks, the PPA Core Facility currently operates two orbitrap-type instruments with ESI in LCMS mode (Q-exactive plus Biopharma with normal flow Acquity; Lumos with nano-Acquity) and a MALDI-ToF (UltrafleXtreme) and equipped with several software tools for the analysis. There is a possibility to acquire a new mass spectrometer to further strengthen our portfolio. A flexible approach being able to adapt to different sample types, including small molecular work and metabolomics is needed.

The starting date of the position is March 1, 2025 or as soon as possible after that. A six-month trial period will be effective at the beginning of the contract.

Duties

The tasks and responsibilities include, but are not restricted to:

• Processing service requests of PPA Core Facility clients and active correspondence with local, national, and international customers.
• Planning and supervising the daily work of the laboratory technicians relating to sample preparation and other tasks.
• Planning and performing data acquisition, data analysis, and reporting together with the laboratory technicians and the customers.
• Developing and implementing mass spectrometry applications with various cooperators and assisting in analyzing and publishing the results.
• Active participation in planning the future strategy of the mass spectrometry services.
• Preparation of equipment purchases, and taking care of equipment maintenance services, as well as participating in the planning and writing of funding applications.
• The candidate can be involved in teaching specialized courses focused on mass spectrometry.
• Communication with the local and national nodes of the PPN network.

Required qualifications and assessment

The successful applicant should have:

• A doctoral degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or another relevant field.
• Prior experience in the use of mass spectrometry instruments, data acquisition, and data analysis, including adequate theoretical education and practical training.
• Fluent oral and written English skills as well as good organizing, communication, and teamwork skills.

When assessing the applicant's qualifications, additional skills and achievements to be considered will include:

• Previous work experience in a Core Facility or other service laboratory.
• Scientific publications in the field and activity in the scientific community.
• International experience.
• Teaching and supervision experience.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers' working conditions and careers.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.  
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The salary will be based on the requirement level and work performance of teaching and research staff of the salary system for Finnish universities, composed of both task-specific and personal performance components. The task will be on demand level 5 or 6 depending on qualifications. In addition, a salary component based on personal achievements and work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The salary is in practice roughly between 3,400 - 4,700 €/ month, depending on qualifications, performance and experience at the start of the appointment.

Application procedure

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, must be submitted using the electronic application form by 31.01.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time).

The following documents in English must be attached to the application:

1. Curriculum vitae, following the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity
2. Brief description of previous work experience and motivation
3. Copies of the degree and other relevant certificates
4. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
5. Contact information of two persons who may be asked to give references of the candidate

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

The applicants fitting best for the position will be interviewed on-site or remotely.

Contacts

For further information regarding the filling of this post:

Docent Rajaram Venkatesan, Head of the Proteomics and Protein Analysis Core Facility, email: rajaram.venkatesan(at)oulu.fi

And/or

Professor Lauri Eklund, Director of Biocenter Oulu infrastructures, email: lauri.eklund(at)oulu.fi