Head of Mass Spectrometry; m​/f

NCCR Children & Cancer

The Morscher Laboratory works at the intersection of pediatric oncology and fundamental research in metabolism. Stable isotope tracing is a core methodology of the lab – applied across cell culture, animal models, and directly in patients to map metabolic fluxes at quantitative resolution. We combine this with single‑cell metabolomics, RNA mass spectrometry, and proteomics to decode metabolic programs from the whole organism down to the single cell – and to translate these insights into new treatment strategies for children with cancer.

• You will lead the day‑to‑day operations of the MS platform, including scheduling, quality control and sample throughput across metabolomics, isotope tracing and other MS‑omics workflows.
• In this role, you drive method development for LC‑MS/MS‑based stable isotope tracing, metabolomics, RNA modifications and lipid analysis, including applications to in vivo and patient‑derived samples.
• You ensure high data quality, robust data management and fully reproducible workflows through rigorous QC and precise documentation.
• You will co‑develop and implement automated sample preparation workflows to increase throughput and improve reproducibility.
• Co‑design of the data acquisition and processing infrastructure around Orbitrap Astral instruments will be part of your responsibilities.
• You maintain mass spectrometry instruments at the highest performance standards and manage service contracts as well as consumables.
• Contribution to the development of single‑cell mass spectrometry methods is expected as part of the lab's technology development agenda.
• You actively contribute to research projects, from experimental planning and data interpretation through to manuscript writing.
• Training and mentoring of graduate students, postdocs, and collaborators in MS techniques and experimental design is an important part of your work.
• You advise on and support the procurement of future equipment and contribute to grant applications for infrastructure funding.
• You represent the platform in internal and external collaborations across the Zurich life sciences community.

• Expert (MSc or PhD) in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field – with a strong mass spectrometry track record;
  Experience matters.
• Hands‑on expertise with high‑resolution LC‑MS platforms, ideally including Orbitrap‑based instruments.
• Proven experience in stable isotope tracing and/or metabolomics in a biological research context – this is central to the lab's work.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and optimize analytical methods from first principles.
• Experience with or strong interest in laboratory automation – liquid handling systems, automated sample prep, or workflow scripting.
• Interest in or experience with single‑cell mass spectrometry technologies is a plus.
• Experience mentoring or teaching MS techniques to non‑specialists.
• Strong publication record showing independent scientific contributions.
• Experience running or co‑running a core or research facility is a strong plus, not prerequisite.
• Fluent in English;
  German is an asset but not required.

The exact salary will depend on your education and professional experience. During the selection process, your salary will be determined in accordance with our salary guidelines.