Do you have a background in analytical chemistry?
Are you interested in managing a liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry core facility?
And do you like to share your fascination and enthusiasm for analytical chemistry with students and postdocs?
…then come join our teams as a
Technical assistant (m/f/d)
(E9 TV-G-U)
in the Natural Product Genomics department of the Institute for Molecular Bio Sciences at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The position is funded by the LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) through 31.12.2024
The project:
Our team studies the biosynthesis of complex natural products. We are using state-of-the-art bioinformatic tools and develop machine learning-based algorithms for the identification of non-canonical natural product biosynthetic gene clusters. We are using the latest technologies in the field of synthetic biology to heterologously express non-canonical biosynthetic gene clusters and structurally characterize the associated natural products. We purify the produced natural products using Combi Flash systems, preparative and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography instruments, gas chromatography instruments and high-resolution mass spectrometers. We then use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the full structural characterization of the purified natural products.
Moreover, we are interested in deciphering the principles underlying the biosynthesis of these compounds and study the unusual biosynthetic transformations that are oftentimes associated with the biosynthesis of non-canonical natural products.
The group:
Our young and international team works at the interface of bioinformatics, microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology and analytical chemistry.
Your responsibilities:
Our group is equipped with UHPLC-MSs (Elecrospray ionization – time of flight and electrospray ionization and ion-trap mass spectrometers), a gas chromatography – ion-trap instrument (GC-MS), a combi flash system, preparative- and semipreparative HPLCs, some of which are coupled to ion-trap mass spectrometers. Your primary task is the maintenance and upkeeping of the afore mentioned analytical infrastructure as well as the training of young scientist to perform measurements on said instruments. Moreover, your task is the development of methods for the detection and purification of natural products. You will be conducting routine measurements for cooperation partners and analyze the acquired data. Managing and conducting an independent research project within the framework of the lab and the LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics is highly desired.
Your profile:
- a completed apprenticeship as chemical-technical assistant, laboratory assistant or an equivalent completed professional training
- pertinent experience in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear resonance spectroscopy (NMR)
- experience in sample preparation, method development and routine measurements as well as the analysis of the acquired data
- excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- a high level of self-motivation, enthusiasm, curiosity and stress resistance
- motivation to work in a young, international, interdisciplinary working environment and willingness to train young scientist
What we offer:
- an exciting position in a stimulating and challenging environment at the interface of bioinformatics, biology and chemistry
- a young, dynamic international team of scientist with diverse backgrounds
- excellent lab infrastructure and equipment
- training on all instruments by highly experienced employees
- the possibility to independently work on your own project
- Frankfurt is a vibrant and highly international city at the heart of Europe that combines a skyscraper skyline with ample park and green areas
How to apply:
Please send your application including a letter of motivation, CV, copies of diplomas and transcripts of records, at least one reference and a short summary of previous research experience to Prof. Dr. Eric Helfrich, via email to eric.helfrich@bio.uni-frankfurt.de. For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Eric Helfrich or check out the group’s web page at https://www.helfrichlab.com/.
We support equal opportunity of men and women and therefore strongly inviting women to apply. Equally qualified handicapped applicants will be given preference.