Post-Doctoral Fellow in Targeted Proteomics

Background: Cytokines are small signalling proteins essential for immune communication, acting through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms via specific receptors. Traditionally, cytokine quantification relies on antibody-based assays, which, despite widespread use, suffer from reproducibility issues due to antibody variability and the use of animal-derived reagents. These limitations result in high setup and maintenance costs. Advances in mass spectrometry now offer alternative solutions. Modern instruments can detect proteins at cytokine-level concentrations with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. Targeted proteomics enables the simultaneous quantification of large cytokine panels, offering high multiplexing at reduced variability and cost. In this project, we aim to develop a novel, antibody-free measurement platform capable of quantifying more than one hundred cytokines in biofluids. This method promises a cost-effective, robust, and scalable alternative to current cytokine assays, with broad applications in research and clinical diagnostics.

Objective: The post-doctoral fellow will work on the development of a robust detection pipeline for cytokines in plasma and other body fluids.
Training and Research Environment: The Proteomics of Cellular Signalling Group offers a vibrant, international research environment, with team members originating from France, Portugal, Estonia, Germany, Lebanon, Honduras, and the United Kingdom. As part of the Department of Infection and Immunity, the group applies advanced mass spectrometry–based proteomics to tackle a broad range of biological and clinical challenges. This position is embedded in a collaborative project with Bruker Inc., providing the unique opportunity to work hands-on with various Bruker mass spectrometry platforms and maintain direct interaction with Bruker’s proteomics specialists and R&D teams. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience at the interface of academic and industry-driven proteomics innovation.

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 Accountabilities

• 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.

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/