The Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF, www.zalf.de/en) and the Leibniz

Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB, (www.igb-berlin.de) invite

applications for a joint full-time position for a

Proteomics and Stable Isotope Engineer or Scientist

at a new cross-institutional Mass Spectrometry Core Facility. The facility provides research

infrastructure and expertise in proteomics and stable isotope analysis to scientists at ZALF and

IGB as well as to external partners.

ZALF and IGB are large research institutes of Germany’s Leibniz Association. They offer

excellent laboratory and field facilities for interdisciplinary research, including large-scale

experimental infrastructure and long-term research programmes. By working in close

partnership with the scientific community worldwide, government agencies, and the private

sector, innovative tools are developed to meet existing and emerging challenges to natural

ecosystems, food production and human societies in general.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced person to establish and manage the institutes’ new

Mass Spectrometry Core Facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting-up

and maintaining mass spectrometers, and peripheral instruments, to analyse proteomes

(OrbitrapVelos Pro) and determine isotope ratios (2 Thermo Delta V IRMS) in environmental

samples such as plant tissues, soil, water, sediments, and various organisms. Isotope analyses

are also performed on specific biomolecules (GC-MS-IRMS) and trace gases. Responsibilities

include ensuring proper instrument functioning, organising the workflow of the Core Facility,

evaluating data, developing methods in mass spectrometry for environmental applications, and

managing a small team of technicians associated with the facility.

Prospective candidates hold a degree in mechanical, electrical or scientific instrumentation

engineering or in chemistry, biology or physics and have profound expertise in pertinent mass

spectrometric applications. Advanced knowledge of general analytical software (e.g. database,

spread-sheet applications, R, Matlab), good communication skills, the ability to communicate

in both English and German, and prior experience with and interest in lab management are

important assets.

We offer a responsible position in a dynamic team located near Berlin, a cultural capital of

Europe that ranks among the top destinations for science and technology worldwide. Funding

has been secured for two years but is expected to be extended because the Core Facility is an

investment that requires long-term commitments by ZALF and IGB. Salary is paid according to

the German civil service salary scale (TVöD/TVL), depending on experience and qualifications

(up to level 13). The position can be filled immediately.

Please submit a full curriculum vitae, a brief statement of motivation and interests, and the

names and contact details of two referees. Please send all documents as a single PDF file with

the reference number Z-I/12-CF per email to Prof. Arthur Gessler (gessler@zalf.de). ZALF and

IGB are equal opportunity employers and specifically welcome applications from female

engineers or scientists. Preference will begiven to applicants with disabilities when

qualifications are equivalent. Review of applications will begin on 7 January 2013 and will

continue until the position has been filled.For further enquiries, please contact Prof. Arthur

Gessler (gessler@zalf.de) at ZALF. For questions relating to IGB, please email Prof. Mark

Gessner (gessner@igb-berlin.de).

Arthur Gessler

gessler@zalf.de

Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research

Müncheberg/Germany

Ansprechpartner: Arthur Gessler, gessler@zalf.de