The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., a member of the Leibniz Association, aims to understand and, where possible, ‘improve’ the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. To this end, it focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds, on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments, and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long-term, application-oriented, interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology and reproductive management.
For our Department of Wildlife Diseases we are seeking to appoint a
Scientist (f/m/div) in full time
in the field of wildlife disease proteomics.
We will expand into the area of wildlife proteomics, particularly bacterial pathogens and immune markers, and are looking for a scientist to develop a research programme around this specialty. The successful candidate will be in charge of all aspects of method development and validation and resulting sample analysis in the field of wildlife disease research by using MALDI TOF and UHPLC-HR mass spectrometry (MS). You will co-lead the proteomics/metabolomics laboratory together with a specialist on metabolomics who will be appointed at the same time.
Main topics include building a wildlife bacteria MS database for reliable identification, developing novel approaches and applications for the use of MALDI TOF MS in wildlife bacteriology and characterising the proteomic profile of different sample types from wildlife species. The resulting proteomic platform should also allow the identification of biomarkers relevant to conservation and complement existing and future functional immune tests used in wildlife immunology.
Responsibilities include:
Key activities are proteome analyses by mass spectrometry, particularly MALDI TOF MS for the differentiation of bacteria, and shotgun and targeted serum and plasma proteomics for comparative immunological analyses (UHPLC-HRMS), including:
- mass spectrometric measurements, documentation and interpretation of results;
- creation of own reliable database entries;
- preparation, development and care of the internal databases;
- leading and co-coordinating the proteomics/metabolomics laboratory, including guiding and supervising technical staff and students;
- to work independently and in collaboration with other scientists and departments.
Requirements:
- PhD in biochemistry, biology, microbiology, veterinary medicine or similar subject;
- microbiological and/or immunological background and hands-on experience with mass spectrometry-based proteome analyses and/or MALDI TOF MS;
- experience in processing and analysis of mass spectrometry data;
- willingness to learn and develop skills for own improvement;
- strong organizational and team working abilities;
- excellent command of English (written + spoken) and profound skills in scientific writing;
- interest and ability to work in an international team and with a diverse community of scientists and stakeholders;
- high motivation to address scientific questions, particularly to develop and implement novel approaches and applications for proteome analyses in wildlife.
This is what we offer:
- An interesting and responsible position with room for manoeuvre in an international and dynamic scientific working environment in a beautiful location right next to the Tierpark Berlin-Friedrichsfelde.
- A comprehensive induction programme and a well-functioning team that will be happy to support you.
- Working on an equal footing between all those involved and respectful co-operation within the team.
- A full-time employment relationship of 39 hours per week in flexitime with part-time option.
- A salary in accordance with the public collective bargaining law TVöD (Bund), with an annual bonus payment, at level E13.
- Company pension scheme (VBL) and subsidised capital-forming benefits (VWL).
- Flexible working hours to allow scope for work-life balance.
- 30 days holiday per calendar year.
- Excellent connectivity with public transport, to underground stations Tierpark (U5) or Friedrichsfelde-Ost (S5, S7, S75), as well as three tram lines and several bus routes.
- Employer subsidy for the annual public transport ‘job ticket’.
- Free admission to the Tierpark (current agreement between Leibniz-IZW and Tierpark Berlin) from Monday to Friday.
The position will be filled preferably by 1st July 2024 and is initially limited to 3 years.
We welcome people of any gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion; there is equal opportunity. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified. The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research is "Total-E-Quality" certified, actively supports the compatibility of work and family and promotes equality.
For more information, please contact by email Dr. Kristin Mühldorfer (muehldorfer@izw-berlin.de) or Dr. Gábor Czirják (czirjak@izw-berlin.de).
How to apply:
Go to Vacancies/Jobs on our homepage (www.leibniz-izw.de) and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply Online". Please send us your complete and informative application documents in this way, i.e. letter of motivation, CV and all relevant certificates. With fully prepared documents, your online application will take 10-15 minutes. Applications received by 15 April 2024 will be considered in any case. Re-entrants (f/m/d) are welcome!
We look forward to receiving your application!
