Research Technician 80%

at  Universit de Lausanne

INTRODUCTION

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

PRESENTATION

Metabolomics group at the University of Lausanne is looking for an enthusiastic and skilled research technician to join their well-established team. Metabolomics is a rapidly evolving ‘omic field that aims to provide a comprehensive, qualitative and quantitative characterization of the biochemical composition of a biological sample. A research technician is required to work on sample preparation of complex biological matrices and their analysis using hyphenated mass spectrometry-based approaches (GC and LC-MS). The candidate will also be involved in the development and/or optimization of methods, mainly for targeted, polar or lipid metabolite analysis. The candidate will also contribute to the maintenance of instrumentation, safe-keeping of samples and data processing while interacting with the rest of our multidisciplinary team.
Metabolomics platform supports the research projects and collaborates mainly with life scientists from the University of Lausanne, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and other academic institutions across Switzerland. The candidate should provide technical support for the realization of ongoing service projects and contribute to the development of new analytical methodologies. She/he will have the opportunity to get trained and learn about analytical method development and implementation. She/he will also have the opportunity to work with diverse sample types provided through collaborations mainly in biomedical and clinical, as well as functional and evolutionary biology research (e.g. brain metabolism, cancer metabolism, aging phenomenon, diverse metabolic diseases).

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• CFC or equivalent
• Knowledge and practical experience with wet – lab: pipetting, standard stock preparation, sample preparation (for metabolite extraction)
• Knowledge and practical experience in working with LC-MS/MS systems
• Team player with enthusiasm to set up new analytical methods at the technology forefront
• Relevant experience in design of GC- and LC-MS/MS experiments and data processing is an advantage but not necessary, strong motivation is essential
• Commitment and ability to work together in an international service and research group
• Flexibility to handle multiple projects in parallel and adjust to changing priorities
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to set and achieve analytical targets in collaboration with colleagues and the lab manager
• Very good communication skills in French and/or English (spoken and written)

JOB DESCRIPTION

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• Apply and optimize protocols for polar or lipid metabolite extraction from different types of biological matrices (biofluids, tissues, cell lines, bacteria cultures) and depending on the analysis approach (untargeted/targeted)
• Contribute to set-up of standardized protocols for sample preparation
• Operating and troubleshooting chromatographic/mass spectrometry equipment
• Carry out sample analyses using the targeted and/or untargeted approach
• Contribute to set-up of standardized LC-MS/MS methods for targeted analysis
• Perform metabolite quantification using the existing software solutions (following targeted analysis)
• Perform data analysis using the existing bioinformatic platform, as well as newly developed and implemented software tools
• Keep an up to date written and electronic record of laboratory work
• Contribute to maintenance of adequate stocks in the laboratory (consumables such as chemicals, gases, disposables)
• Help ensure the functionality of key platform apparatus (service/maintenance) by liaising with the platform staff in a timely manner
• Assume shared responsibility for organizing and implementing routine lab cleaning schedules and procedures