Staff Scientist - Mass Spectrometry Core; Proteomics

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) belongs to the „Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. (FVB)“. The FVB is an institution of seven natural sciences research institutes in Berlin funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the association of its federal states. The research institutes are members of the Leibniz association.

The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) in Berlin is a non-university research institute that conducts basic research in molecular pharmacology and provides a vibrant and collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities for research and employees from all over the world.

We are looking for a

to join the Core Facility ‘Mass Spectrometry’led by Prof. Dr. Fan Liu. The position can be filled as of March 2026 and is initially limitedto two years with the option of becoming permanent.

The Staff Scientist is responsible for providing expert-level support for mass spectrometry analyses, including experimental design, data acquisition, and data interpretation. This role involves developing and optimizing methodologies, assisting users from diverse research backgrounds, and maintaining and troubleshooting mass spectrometry instrumentation. The candidate must demonstrate deep expertise in general proteomics, and extensive hands-on experience in processing diverse sets of samples ranging from cell and tissue samples to low-amount samples for example human samples for clinical proteomics, as well as in establishing pipelines for automated sample handling and data processing and for large-scale cohort studies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and optimize the sample management process, ensuring efficient workflow for high-throughput studies.
• Ensure optimal performance of mass spectrometers (together with the engineer).
• Develop and validate new analytical protocols (together with the technician).
• Test and optimize instrument parameters for different applications needed by the facility.
• Provide expert-level user support, including training on instrument operation, assisting with sample preparation, method optimization, and complex data analysis.
• Adapt and optimize advanced quantitative proteomic techniques (e.g., PTM analysis, TMT, label-free quantification, DIA).
• Implement and apply protocols for crosslinking mass spectrometry and interactomics pioneered by the Liu research lab.
• Collaborate with researchers on projects; contribute to scientific publications.
• Diagnose and resolve complex instrument, software, and analytical challenges to minimize downtime.
• Establish automated sample handling and data processing pipelines for low-amount samples.
• Maintain documentation of maintenance logs, instrument status, experiment protocols, optimization experiments and quality records.

Your profile:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Bioch emistry, Proteomics, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and extensive practical experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in proteomics with a proven track record of accomplishment, ideally involving low-abundance samples applications.
• 5+ years of practical experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting LC-MS instrumentation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience in developing automated sample handling and data processing pipelines for high-throughput analyses.
• Proven experience managing laboratory operations, including quality system implementation, documentation and method validation.

We offer:

• An attractive environment in a pleasant, friendly working atmosphere with an excellent infrastructure.
• Compensation in accordance with the…