Post-Doctoral Fellow in Targeted Proteomics

Background. Cytokines are small signalling proteins that orchestrate immune communication, acting through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms via dedicated receptors.  Conventional cytokine assays rely almost exclusively on antibodies, which brings reproducibility problems due to lot-to-lot variability and dependence on animal-derived reagents, and drives up setup and running costs.  Recent advances in mass spectrometry now make it possible to detect proteins at true cytokine-level concentrations with high sensitivity and molecular specificity.  Targeted proteomics, in particular, enables simultaneous and quantitative measurement of large cytokine panels, combining deep multiplexing with reduced variability and cost.  In this project, you will help build a next-generation, antibody-free measurement platform capable of quantifying more than one hundred cytokines in biofluids, providing a cost-effective, robust and scalable alternative to current cytokine assays with clear translational potential in both research and clinical diagnostics.

Objectives. As a post-doctoral researcher, you will drive the development of a robust, end-to-end detection pipeline for cytokines in plasma and other body fluids, from sample preparation and enrichment strategies through targeted MS acquisition to data analysis and quality control.  You will explore and benchmark different workflows on state-of-the-art instrumentation to push sensitivity, specificity and throughput, and you will work closely with clinical and immunology collaborators to apply the pipeline to biologically and medically relevant questions.

Training and Research Environment. The Proteomics of Cellular Signalling Group offers a dynamic, collaborative and genuinely international environment, with team members originating from France, Portugal, Estonia, Germany, Lebanon, Honduras and the United Kingdom.  Embedded in the Department of Infection and Immunity, the group uses advanced mass spectrometry–based proteomics to address a broad spectrum of biological and clinical challenges, from basic signalling mechanisms to translational projects.  This position is part of a strategic collaboration with Bruker Inc., giving you direct, hands-on access to multiple Bruker mass spectrometry platforms and regular interaction with Bruker proteomics experts and R&D teams.  You will therefore gain experience at the interface of academia and industry-driven innovation, building a profile that combines deep methodological expertise with exposure to real-world technology development.

Recent related references: Lesur A, Schmit PO, Bernardin F, et al. Highly Multiplexed Targeted Proteomics Acquisition on a TIMS-QTOF. Anal Chem. 2021;93(3). Lesur, A. et al. Quantification of 782 Plasma Peptides by Multiplexed Targeted Proteomics. J. Proteome Res. (2023). Lesur, A. & Dittmar, G. The clinical potential of prm-PASEF mass spectrometry. Expert Review of Proteomics 18, 75–82 (2021). Mendes, M. L., Borrmann, K. F. & Dittmar, G. Eleven shades of PASEF. Expert Rev Proteomics 21, 367–376 (2024). Mendes, M. L. & Dittmar, G. Targeted proteomics on its way to discovery. Proteomics 22, 2100330 (2022).

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Chemistry.
• Mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
• Data analysis of large proteomics datasets.
• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology.
• Languages skills: fluent command of English; knowledge of another language of the European Union is an asset.

Proteomics Researchers are supported by easy access to scientific expertise, well-equipped facilities, an active seminar program, and opportunities for conference attendance and collaboration with other research organisations.

Scientific contact
Prof Dr Gunnar Dittmar
gunnar.dittmar@lih.lu
More information about the groups can be found here: https://signaling.lih.lu/

Gender equality
The LIH is an equal opportunities employer.  We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.
The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.