MS Imaging of Food - PhD/Postdoc Position
The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive, interdisciplinary focus areas in research and teaching. The Chair of Bioanalytical Sciences and Food Analysis (Prof. Andreas Römpp) has of now a vacancy for a
PhD Position (m/f/d) / Postdoc (m/f/d) position in
‘Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Food Sciences”
The position is temporary limited and will be paid according to German public-sector level E13 depending on qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Your task:
Your task would be to further develop MS imaging techniques for food-related applications. This includes sample preparation, measurement optimization and data analysis. The work is arranged around two current projects in our group:
The EU-funded project WATSON includes 40 partners across Europe. This project is focused on the detection and prevention of food fraud along the food production chain (https://watsonproject.eu). In this context MS imaging is being developed to obtain a better understanding of fraudulent practices and to support rapid screening methods.
The project “MULTIANGEL” (co-funded by DFG and ANR) is a collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Sorbonne University, Paris. The goal of this project is a) to further develop the integration of the complementary MALDI-Orbitrap and TOF-SIMS capabilities and b) to extend this combination to new application area, namely cultural heritage studies. This will be exemplified by the characterization of cognac barrels with an age of up to 150 years.
These projects are a continuation of previous work in the area of MS imaging, e.g. processed food and food additives (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132529), food contaminants using autofocus MALDI imaging
(https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-32004-w) and tryptic digest of proteins in (food) plants
(https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02428).
Your profile:
- PhD student: a university degree (MSc, diploma or equivalent degree) in food chemistry, chemistry, biology, analytical sciences or a similar discipline
- PostDoc: PhD in a relevant research area such as (food) chemistry and mass spectrometry
- a background in analytical methods, ideally mass spectrometry
- Experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry is a plus, but not explicitly required
- Ability to work independently and in a structured manner
- Programming skills (e.g. Python) are a benefit but not a requirement
- Commitment, high flexibility, team spirit
- Very good knowledge of English (written and spoken)
We offer:
- a constructive and friendly working atmosphere in an open-minded and interdisciplinary team
- excellent scientific infrastructure and strong international collaboration partners
- for PhD student: Doctorate in the structured doctoral program in the framework of the Bayreuth Graduate School with opportunities for further individual and interdisciplinary qualification
- flexible working hours, which allow the compatibility of family and career
(You will be based in our laboratories on the main campus in Bayreuth.)
The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club "Familie in der Hochschule e.V.", and has successfully participated in the HRK audit "Internationalization of the University". Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Application
Please apply online with meaningful application documents (letter of motivation, CV and references) via our
Application Portal Uni Bayreuth. Call identifier: FoodMSI
The documents will be deleted after filling the position according to the requirements of data protection.
For further information please contact: Prof. Andreas Römpp (E-Mail: andreas.roempp@uni-bayreuth.de)