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Frederiksberg kommune Kemiker

Senior Analytical Chemist - Metabolomics Platform Manager at University of Copenhagen

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, at the University of Copenhagen is recruiting a Senior Analytical Chemist to head the LC-MS and GC-MS metabolomics platform embedded in the section for Plant Biochemistry. The position is full-time and is offered for 3 years (with possibility for extension) starting 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences is a large department (>450 employees) dedicated to plant, microbial, and environmental sciences (http://plen.ku.dk/english/).

The position is affiliated with the Section for Plant Biochemistry (PBIO), which hosts ca. 70 employees divided into 8 research groups (https://plen.ku.dk/english/research/plant_biochemistry/).

Job description

If you enjoy being at the forefront of research in chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR, and thrive in supporting a diversity of projects, we have a challenging and exciting position to offer.

The aim of the position is to manage and strengthen the user-paid metabolomics platform at PBIO, which focuses on targeted and untargeted analyses of plant specialized metabolites and biosynthetic production intermediates. The Senior Analytical Chemist will be the Platform Manager in charge of running and developing the platform, assisted by a dedicated and experienced full-time technician and a part-time laboratory assistant. The running and development of the platform will be carried out in collaboration with a metabolomics committee appointed by the Head of Section for Plant Biochemistry.

The unit encompasses state-of-the-art equipment within LC-MS and GC-MS, including three analytical LC-MS instruments (two qTOF-and one ion-trap-MS), one preparative LC-MS, and six GC systems. We continuously expand and strengthen the platform instrument portfolio. The Platform Manager identifies opportunities for upgrades and new acquisitions to improve the platform and advises and participates in writing grant applications for the funding of new equipment. Together with the technician, the Platform Manager will advise and train the users, assist in developing methods, planning metabolomics experiments, analyze samples, manage booking and payment systems, as well as maintain current and future equipment. The Platform Manager will be responsible for the economy of the platform and the daily management of the staff allocated to the platform by the Head of Section for Plant Biochemistry.

We offer a stimulating and highly international research environment. The Platform Manager will support, interact and collaborate with scientists at all levels (PhD students, postdocs, and professors at all levels). In addition, the Platform Manager is expected to interact with other related analytical platforms at the department and across departments to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration at all levels.

Qualifications

In connection with the appointment to the position, special emphasis will be given to the applicant’s professional and personal skills, as stated below:

  • Strong theoretical competences in analytical chemistry, especially mass spectroscopy and chromatography
  • Knowledge on NMR
  • Strong hands-on experience in chromatography and mass spectroscopy of small molecules from complex plant samples
  • Hands-on experience with hardware and software related to analytical chemistry
  • Interest in keeping up to date with the newest developments in analytical chemistry instrumentation
  • Advanced analytical capabilities and problem-solving mind-set
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and positive attitude towards interacting with a diverse, multi-cultural user group
  • Ability to perform team based as well as independent work
  • Managerial experience is preferred
  • Applicants holding a relevant degree (PhD or equivalent) are preferred
  • English language proficiency

Terms of employment

Employment will be in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) as an Academic employee or special consultant depending on your qualifications.

Questions

For further information about the post, please contact Professor Søren Bak (+45 3533 3346, larryjohnsonhrodriguezbakklee@hernandez-summers.dkhines.dkyoung.dkplen.ku.dk) or Head of Section Nanna Bjarnholt (+45 3633 1136, parkerjohnqwintersnnbamanda36@murphy.dknelson.dkthomas.dkplen.ku.dk).

Application

The application must be in English and submitted electronically. Please submit your application including CV, cover letter, and other relevant documentation using the link below. Read on www.jobportal.ku.dk a description of how to submit electronically.

Please send your application through http://employment.ku.dk/administrative/.

Application deadline: 20 August 2025.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.