The Laboratory of Applied Mass Spectrometry (LAMaS) – KU Leuven is a leading research facility specializing in cutting-edge metabolomics and proteomics, located on the Gasthuisberg campus in Leuven. Our team utilizes advanced mass spectrometers coupled with liquid and gas chromatography instruments to generate comprehensive metabolic and proteomic profiles from diverse sample types (e.g., body fluids, cell lysates, and tissue lysates). These efforts contribute to advancing mass spectrometry research and the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
What LAMaS Seeks is an enthusiastic and motivated multi-omics researcher to join our group as a Research Scientist (Postdoctoral Level).
Responsibilities
As a Research Scientist, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and developing proteomics and metabolomics methods. Your responsibilities will also include maintaining high-end mass spectrometers, analyzing data using advanced software, and contributing to collaborative research projects. You will be halftime involved in a KU Leuven C3-industrial research funds (IOF) project headed by Prof Dr Koen Poesen and prof. dr. Bart Ghesquiere. This projects focuses on valorizing candidate peptide biomarkers derived from the variable domains of circulating IgG as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
Specific responsibilities include,
Workflow Participation
Advising researchers on sample preparation and acquisition.
Teaching and guiding researchers on proteomics and metabolomics sample preparation.
Operating high-resolution LC-MS/MS systems (e.g. Lumos, Astral, ZenoTOF, Scimax)
Analyzing and interpreting proteomics/metabolomics data.
Reporting results to team leads.
Method Development
Optimizing and developing new sample preparation protocols and LC-MS/MS methods.
Instrument Maintenance
Performing maintenance and troubleshooting of instruments, including liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers.
Technical Support
Providing technical support and training to collaborators, including experimental design, protocol optimization, and data analysis.
Quality Assurance
Ensuring quality control and assurance for all LC-MS/MS instruments and experiments.
Developing mass-spectrometric methods, designing experiments, process data, discussing results, troubleshooting, providing scientific direction, coordinating project timelines and ensuring milestones are met, all for our C3-IOF research project in a team of researchers consisting of 1 PhD student and 1 technician, where you will be mentoring and training the team members to enhance their research skills and knowledge.
Profile
Educational Background:
PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field (mandatory).
Experience:
Prior experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics and/or metabolomics is preferred.
Technical Skills:
Familiarity with proteomics/metabolomics software tools (e.g., Fragpipe, Perseus, Skyline, DIA-NN, Spectronaut, SpectroDive, MetaboAnalyst, El-Maven) is highly valued.
Proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools such as R or Python for data manipulation, statistical analysis, and visualization is a plus.
Soft Skills:
Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multi-user environment.
High attention to detail and troubleshooting capacity.
Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
Offer
A very dynamic and international environment within one of the top research groups in the field of mass spectrometry.
The opportunity to contribute to solving relevant disease models in cancer, brain disorders, and more.
Training in operating and maintaining highly advanced mass spectrometers (e.g., LC-OrbiTRAP Lumos, Evosep-ZenoTOF), providing a unique professional profile.
A contract duration of 2 years.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bart Ghesquière, tel.: +32 16 32 27 33, mail: bart.ghesquiere@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Camila Takeno Cologna, tel.: +32 16 19 38 86, mail: camila.takenocologna@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than June 18, 2025 via the online application tool
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