Job Description

The following full-time (39,5h/week) position in Metabolomics research is available at Heidelberg University, to begin October 1, 2025 or as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Research Associate for Mass-Spectrometry Imaging / Spatial Metabolomics (f/m/d)

This position is funded by the MULTI-SPACE alliance of the Health & Life Science Alliance Heidelberg & Mannheim, supporting a joint Mass-Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) platform coordinated by the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg University, and the Medical Faculty Mannheim. The newly established state-of-the-art MSI system is located in the Metabolomics Core Technology Platform (MCTP).






We seek an enthusiastic scientist who will operate, develop, and continuously advance spatial metabolomics services, facilitating cutting-edge research across the Life Science Campus Heidelberg & Mannheim within the collaborative MULTI-SPACE initiative.

Your tasks:

Operate and maintain the new MSI platform (Bruker timsTOF fleX MALDI-2) including quality control, troubleshooting and routine upkeep Develop, optimize and validate sample-preparation and data-analysis workflows for spatial metabolomics, lipidomics and multimodal studies Act as contact for internal and external users: provide project consultation, training and hands-on support, schedule and prioritize measurements, and ensure timely data delivery Drive method development for single-cell MSI and integration with LC-MS and other spatial omics techniques within the MULTI-SPACE alliance Contribute intellectually to collaborative research projects, co-author publications, and present results at conferences; mentor students and technicians Maintain accurate documentation of protocols and instrument logs; liaise with service and facility management

Your profile:

PhD (or equivalent) in analytical/biological chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology or a related life-science discipline Proven expertise in MSI; hands-on MALDI and spatial metabolomics experience required Experience with Bruker timsTOF instruments or comparable high-resolution MS platforms is a strong plus Willingness to manage and initiate cooperative projects Service-oriented mind-set with excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines Scientific track record Fluency in English; German proficiency or the willingness to learn is advantageous Familiarity with data-analysis / scripting tools (e.g. SCiLS Lab, METASPACE, R/Python) is welcome

We offer:

A dynamic, interdisciplinary service platform environment embedded in Germany’s leading Life-Science campus Access to cutting-edge instrumentation (timsTOF fleX MALDI-2, cryotome, LMD) and diverse additional LC-MS and GC-MS systems Collaboration opportunities with world-class groups in cancer research, neurobiology, single-cell omics and AI-driven image analysis Tailored training, conference travel and central career-development support A collegial workplace in picturesque Heidelberg with excellent family-friendly benefits For more information on MULTI-SPACE, please visit https://www.health-life-sciences.de/multispace.



The remuneration is according to TV-L E13. The position is full-time and currently limited until

December 31, 2027

.

Application:

Please send one PDF (cover letter, CV, photo, certificates, publication list, and a brief summary of your MSI/MS expertise)

by August 24, 2025

to gernot.poschet@cos.uni-heidelberg.de






Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunity and diversity. We highly value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. People with a severe disability will be given priority if they are equally qualified. Information on job postings and data protection can be found at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.