Job Openings

We are what we eat- This old Chinese saying is especially true for insect herbivores that feed on a single plant during their whole development. As part of an international collaboration, we recently started to investigate the role of benzoxazinoids (BXDs) in plant-insect interactions. BXDs are key defensive metabolites in grasses, and our project aims at unraveling their role in maize resistance by investigating both the plant and the insect simultaneously. By bringing together plant biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology, behavior and insect physiology, this initiative will contribute significantly to the application of BXDs as a model for plant-insect coevolution and as natural pest control agents.

In this context, we are inviting applications for a

PhD student in plant metabolomics

Based at the University of Neuchatel and in collaboration with the University of Geneva, the student will investigate the biochemistry of BXDs and other active metabolites in the interaction of maize with different insect herbivores. This includes developing metabolomic approaches for studying plant-insect interactions and analytical methods for quantitative BXDs profiling, purifying and identifying new metabolites. Furthermore, the successful candidate will establish a close collaboration with the other partners of the initiative working on molecular, ecological and applied aspects of the system. In this context, a highly integrated workflow will ensure that results are quickly exchanged and hypotheses generated by one discipline will be taken up and tested by the others.

We expect: A master thesis in phytochemistry, analytical chemistry or a related field. Good knowledge of chromatography and mass spectrometry is required. A strong background in plant biology would be an asset. A high interdisciplinary interest coupled with willingness to visit partner-laboratories and conferences on a regular basis.

We offer: An excellent research environment with enthusiastic scientists from different nationalities and scientific backgrounds. The possibility to work on high-end LC-MS and NMR equipments and learn state-of-the art techniques from “genes to agroecosystems”. A pleasant surrounding with a high quality of live and outstanding public services.

The application procedure will run until a suitable candidate is found. The starting date for the PhD is flexible, but should be no later than April 2012. Please send your application (Word or pdf document) including a CV, letter of motivation and research interests as well as the names and addresses of two referees via e-mail to: gaetan.glauser@unine.ch.

For more information, contact:
The project leader, Matthias Erb (merb@ice.mpg.de), or the supervisors in Neuchâtel, Gaetan Glauser (gaetan.glauser@unine.ch) and Geneva, Jean-Luc Wolfender (jean-luc.wolfender@unige.ch).

The Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) has recently been established to create and deliver world class excellence in biomedical research to better understand health and disease as influenced by genetics, metabolism and environment with the goal of translating this knowledge into personalized science-based nutrition.

The Institute combines latest technologies and biomedical knowledge to study the molecular mechanisms of chronic diseases. Large-scale functional genomics and mass spectrometry capabilities are integrated with bioinformatics and metabolic systems biology to generate holistic molecular insights into nutritionally actionable conditions. Using this integrated system approach we ultimately aspire to develop nutritional approaches for the prevention of disease and to facilitate healthy aging.

To achieve these ambitions our Metabonomics/Lipidomics Core is seeking a

SENIOR SCIENTIST IN METABONOMICS/LIPIDOMICS

Main responsibilities:

• Develop, insource and implement latest and innovative metabonomics/lipidomics technologies
• Develop metabonomics/lipidomics research program for discovery, validation and diagnostics in the context of metabolic, cognitive and intestinal health.
• Supervise technician(s) and/or research assistant(s).

Education and experience required:

• PhD in science with at least 5 years experience in metabonomics/lipidomics and mass spectrometry-based fundamental research.
• Experience in membrane and lipid biology.
• Exposure to nutrition and/or pharmaceutical translations.
• International collaboration and project management record.
• Platform start-up and/or biotech experience would be a plus.
• Strong communication and presentation skills in English.

Attitude and personality:

We are looking for a highly motivated, multi-tasking, autonomous and organized candidate who brings new ideas and takes initiatives. This person should have a strong team spirit, be proactive, curious and result-focused to succeed in this position.

The Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences is based on the campus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland. We offer an international and innovative working environment and foster an academic, interdisciplinary research culture expecting publication in high-impact journals, supporting joint university appointments of qualified candidates and participation in graduate and postdoctoral programs. Please find more information at http://www.nestleinstitutehealthsciences.com.

If you are interested in joining us and to further build NIHS as a new leading research institution, then apply now at www.careers.nestle.com/ job number: 1200009A with a complete dossier including CV, cover letter, list of publications and references.

The Department of Effect-Directed Analysis at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ is offering two positions for three years within the EU funded Initial Training Network project ‘Innovative biodiagnosis meets chemical structure elucidation – Novel tools in effect directed analysis (EDA-EMERGE)

for two PhD students (Early Stage Researchers) (f/m)
code digit 153/2011

for the Work package “Chemical tools”.

EDA-EMERGE is a multidisciplinary consortium of 14 academic and industry partners across 8 European countries, which will develop and apply novel integrated biological and chemical tools to support the identification and monitoring of emerging toxicants on a European scale.

The PhD students will have the opportunity to combine innovative research in one of the leading research groups in the field of effect-directed analysis, secondments in renowned academic and private sector partner institutes and intensive collaboration in a common European scale monitoring and higher tier EDA program with
high-quality training in a summer school and scientific and soft-skill courses.

The PhD students

• will develop, advance and apply strategies and methods for structure elucidation of polar toxicants applying accurate mass LC-MSn approaches, diagnostic derivatisation techniques and computer tools for retention and fragmentation prediction

• will apply these methods together with bioassays and fractionation techniques in effect-directed analysis of water samples from European sites in collaboration with the fellows at the partner institutes

• will increase their understanding of monitoring and compound prioritisation within the European Water Framework Directive by exchange with the relevant European institutions.

Applicants should have a MSc degree preferable in chemistry or environmental sciences with in-depth expertise in environmental and analytical chemistry and basic knowledge in ecotoxicology. Knowledge in structure elucidation, mass spectrometry, chromatography, derivatisation techniques, as well as computer skills is appreciated. The applicants should be enthusiastic for environmental research and international collaboration. We expect capacity for teamwork, excellent communication skills, flexibility, and an interest in interdisciplinary research.

In accordance with the Marie Curie rules of the European Commission:
The applicants should have less than 4 years full-time equivalent research experience from the award of the degree which entitles them to undertake a doctorate. Applicants can be of any nationality but at the time of selection must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g. work or studies) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the starting date of the fellowship.

The place of work is Leipzig, Germany. Salary and terms of employment will be in accordance with the Marie Curie rules of the European Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/careers_en.htm).
Applications are taken until the position is filled. Please send your complete application documents including a CV, motivation letter and copy of certificates under the code digit 153/2011 to the personnel department, P.O. Box 500136, D-04301 Leipzig, Germany or by e-mail to application@ufz.de.

Further Information can be obtained from:
Dr. Werner Brack, Tel. ++49-(0)341-235 1531, e-mail: werner.brack@ufz.de

Laboratory Technician with Chemistry Experience for Toxicology Laboratory of ETH Zurich

Technician (60 - 100%, starting approximately July 2012)

Affiliated to Prof. Sturla's laboratory, the candidate will contribute to supporting research addressing mechanisms of chemical toxicity by performing chemical and/or biochemical analyses, maintaining laboratory instruments (e.g., HPLC, mass spectrometers), and establishing standard operating procedure in collaboration with group members. The position will be filled from approximately July 2012 for one year with possible prolongation. The laboratory is in the Department of Health Science & Technology, and is located in the ETH Zentrum, Zurich. Learn more about the group at www.toxicology.ethz.ch .

A successful candidate should have a completed education as laboratory technician (Federal Certificate of Capacity/ET/HES or similar/BSc/MSc) in analytical, clinical, organic, and/or bio-organic chemistry. Additional knowledge or experience in biochemistry or toxicology is favorable. Excellent skills in HPLC and mass spectrometry, an ability to perform careful and reproducible experiments, and uphold a high standard in laboratory practices is required. The applicant should be able to learn and apply new techniques, have good communication skills and be capable of working closely with other researchers. An ability to speak and write in English is needed.
 
For further information please contact Dr. Cédric Bovet cbovet@ethz.ch or Prof. Shana Sturla at sturlas@ethz.ch . To apply for the position, please submit your CV, list of reference addresses and motivation letter online at www.jobs.ethz.ch

Die Eawag ist ein national verankertes und international vernetztes Wasserforschungs-Institut innerhalb des ETH-Bereichs. Sie setzt sich ein für einen ökologisch, ökonomisch und sozial verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit der Lebensressource Wasser und den Gewässern.

Für die Abteilung Umweltchemie suchen wir per 1. März 2011 oder nach Vereinbarung eine/n

Technische/n Mitarbeiter/in
im Bereich der organischen Spurenanalytik (100%)

Der Aufgabenbereich umfasst folgende Tätigkeiten:

• Betreuung von Analysegeräten (insbesondere HPLC-Tandem- und hochauflösende Massenspektrometrie)
• Betreuung Feldarbeiten inklusiv Vorbereitung, Wartung und Einbau von Equipment in Zusammenarbeit mit der Werkstatt
• Selbstständige Probenahme, Aufbereitung und Analyse von Umweltproben (z.B. SPE, ASE)
• Selbstständiger Unterhalt der Laborinfrastruktur und Datenverwaltung
• Mitarbeit an Forschungsprojekten u.a. mit Entwicklung neuer Analysemethoden
• Mithilfe bei der Betreuung von Praktikanten, Auszubildenden, Diplomanden in technischen Belangen und Laborpraxis

Für diese anspruchsvollen Aufgaben benötigen Sie eine fundierte Ausbildung als Chemikerin/Chemiker FH/HTL oder Chemielaborantin/Chemielaborant und entsprechende Erfahrung. Sie interessieren sich für organische Analytik im Bereich der Umweltforschung, sind auch offen für Feldarbeit und haben Erfahrung in einem oder mehreren der genannten Bereiche. Gute mündliche und schriftliche Deutsch- und Englischkenntnisse sowie versierte Computerkenntnisse insbesondere der gängigen Office Palette runden Ihr Profil ab.

Es erwartet Sie eine vielseitige und spannende Tätigkeit im Rahmen von nationalen und internationalen Forschungsprojekten, die Einsatzfreude, Eigenverantwortung, Flexibilität und Teamfähigkeit voraussetzt und Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten bietet.

Wir bieten fortschrittliche Anstellungsbedingungen und ein spannendes und vielseitiges Arbeitsgebiet in einem jungen, dynamischen Umfeld.

Nähere Informationen über die Eawag finden Sie unter www.eawag.ch. Für Auskünfte steht Ihnen Herr Heinz Singer unter Telefon +41 58 765 5577 gerne zur Verfügung.

Deadline für Bewerbungen ist der 20. Februar 2012.

Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Bewerbung.

Am schnellsten geht dies, wenn Sie sich online bewerben. Mit einem Klick auf den nachfolgenden Link gelangen Sie direkt zum Bewerbungsformular:
http://internet1.refline.ch/673277/0104/++publications++/1/index.html

Das Kinderspital Zürich ist das grösste pädiatrische Zentrum der Schweiz und erbringt mit seinen rund 1'850 Mitarbeiter/innen anspruchsvolle Dienstleistungen in der stationären Akutmedizin, im Notfall, in der Rehabilitation sowie im ambulanten Bereich.

Für den Bereich Spezialanalytik der Abteilung für Klinische Chemie und Biochemie suchen wir per 1. April 2012 (oder nach Vereinbarung) einen/eine

Analytischen Chemiker / Analytische Chemikerin als Oberassistenten / Oberassistentin mit dem Schwerpunkt Massenspektrometrie

Ihre Hauptaufgaben:

Sie stellen die fachlich korrekte Durchführung von Spezialanalysen auf den Gebieten der Stoffwechseldiagnostik und der Endokrinologie sicher. Weiter sind Sie für die Einführung und Entwicklung neuer Methoden mittels GC-MS, LC-MS/MS und MALDI-TOF in unserer akkreditierten Abteilung zuständig. Sie sind bezüglich der Massenspektrometrie verantwortlich für die Evaluation von neuen Geräten, den einwandfreien Betrieb aller Analysengeräte und für deren Unterhalt. Innerhalb Ihres Fachgebietes beraten Sie Ärzte und Pflegepersonal bei der Prä-Analytik und bei der Interpretation der Resultate, sind aktiv in der angewandten pädiatrischen Forschung und beteiligen sich an den Lehrveranstaltungen.

Ihr Profil:

• Abgeschlossenes Hochschulstudium mit Promotion im Bereich der analytischen Chemie und Erfahrungen in der Massenspektrometrie
• Bereitschaft Verantwortung im diagnostischen Labor zu übernehmen
• Technisches Flair sowie Freude an der Arbeit mit Massenspektrometern
• Interesse an angewandter analytischer Forschung

Unser Angebot:

• Eine anspruchsvolle Tätigkeit in einem universitären und innovativen Umfeld
• Ein breitgefächertes Methodenspektrum
• Interdisziplinarität
• Zeitgemässe Anstellungsbedingungen und gute Fortbildungsmöglichkeiten
• Eine freundliche Arbeitsatmosphäre in einem motivierten Team

Für weitere Auskünfte steht PD Dr M Hersberger gerne zur Verfügung, Tel +41 44 266 7541.

Ihre schriftliche Bewerbung richten Sie bitte an: Frau D Nater, Bereichspersonalleiterin des Personaldienstes, Universitäts-Kinderspital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zürich.

http://www.kispi.uzh.ch/af/LaborServices/Klinchem_de.html

Nestlé Research Center (NRC) located near Lausanne, Switzerland is one of the leading research laboratories in food and nutritional sciences. With 700 members of staff from 50 nations, NRC has a strong position in the international scientific community supported further by more than 200 external scientific partnerships and University collaborations and 270 scientific publications each year (learn more about the NRC at www.research.nestle.com).

NRC has an excellent reputation in food and nutrition research that has benefited consumers for over a century. By bringing together its knowledge in Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food/Consumer Interaction, Food Quality and Safety, Nestlé opens the way to develop Good Food and Good Life: to offer tasty foods that procure health as well as pleasure for our consumers.

In this global and multicultural environment, Nestlé, a food, nutrition, health and wellness company aims to work with the best scientists in the world.

To support its research strategy, the Quality & Safety Department at the NRC is seeking a:

Research Assistant in Vitamin Analysis

who will work within the Functional Ingredients Analysis group.

Main responsibilities:

• Method development for the analysis of vitamins in food products.
• Ensure implementation/support of newly developed methods in Nestlé laboratories worldwide.
• Provide analytical knowledge to support International method standardization.
• Provide analytical expertise to the development of new projects in the area of natural vitamin composition.
• Formulate research hypothesis and design experimental plan accordingly. Execute experiments.
• Ensure quality of scientific and technical reporting and timely delivery of results. Document project progress and results.
• Maintain high level of technical competence.

Required profile:

• Master in Analytical Chemistry, Food Science or related Field.
• Experienced in analysis of food products (vitamin analysis).
• Good knowledge of analytical techniques such as UHPLC-UV, LC-MS/MS, sample preparation (SPE and immune-affinity chromatography).
• Experience in project management in a research environment.
• Familiar with method validation and accreditation requirements according to ISO 17025.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English. French is an advantage.

Personal requirements:

• Creative and curious.
• Open-minded and team player
• Self-willed.
• Autonomous and able to work under minimal supervision.
  

If you are interested in being involved in demanding and innovative projects within one of the leading research laboratories in food and nutritional sciences worldwide, then apply with us (complete application including CV, cover letter and references is mandatory) now on www.careers.nestle.com./ Requisition ID 110002UN.