Academic expert in Metabolomics (m/f/d) - At the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS, the position of an Academic expert in Metabolomics (m/f/d) at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is to be filled at the next possible date.

This position is offered as part of the CEPLAS Academic Expert Career Programme, which provides a transparent and long-term career perspective for academic experts at universities. The programme establishes clear development goals and includes a two-year qualification phase, followed by a formal evaluation. Upon successful evaluation, the position may transition into a permanent appointment. The position also offers dedicated time for independent research, including the preparation of grant proposals and research publications, supporting continued academic development

Support of CEPLAS researchers and training (60 %)

The primary objective of this position is to provide consultation and research support to CEPLAS research groups conducting metabolic analyses. Each project will receive bespoke guidance, resulting in customized strategies for experimental design, sample collection, extraction, processing, measurement and data analysis. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to maintaining the analytical infrastructure, provide guidance and training to students and staff, and actively participate in teaching activities within the CEPLAS graduate programme.

Method development (30 %)

The position will focus on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of intermediates in primary metabolism using a range of analytical platforms, including GC–MS, HPLC–MS, and IC–MS, in order to achieve broad coverage of metabolic processes. The successful candidate will develop project-specific methods on these platforms, oversee measurements and quality control procedures, perform data analysis, and coordinate CEPLAS-related projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-throughput metabolic profiling and metabolic labelling strategies for the investigation of natural genetic and environmental variation. In addition, the development pipeline will include approaches to improve the temporal and spatial resolution of plant metabolomics, thereby increasing the biological insight that can be extracted from metabolomics data, especially in plant samples.

Independent tasks (10 %)

Independent tasks related to research and/or teaching, which may be used for the individual’s own academic profile development.

Our Offer

• Salary according to E13 TV-L
• Permanent/fixed-term: In principle, the position is to be filled on a permanent basis.
• Depending on personal qualifications and experience, the permanent employment will initially be preceded by a fixed-term tenure track phase of up to two years in accordance with § 2 (1) sentence 2 WissZeitVG.
• If the evaluation criteria are met, direct permanent employment is possible.
• Mentoring and career development training
• Cutting-edge analytical infrastructure – Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation (e.g., GC–MS, LC–MS, IC–MS, isotope ratio MS) and fully equipped laboratories for method development and high-throughput analysis.
• Interdisciplinary research environment – Collaboration with leading experts across plant sciences, microbiology, systems biology, and bioinformatics within the excellence cluster, enabling innovative and cross-cutting projects.
• Opportunities for professional growth – Involvement in high-impact research projects, access to training programs, and active participation in national and international collaborations.
• Supportive scientific community – Integration into a vibrant research network with technical staff, postdocs, and Ph.D. students

In accordance with § 2 Abs. 2 of the Act of Academic Fixed-Term Contract (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG), the position is limited to the exercise of a third-party funded project.

Your Profile

• A Master of Science and a doctoral degree in a field closely related to metabolic analysis (e.g., plant physiology, microbiology, biochemistry), providing a strong academic foundation for advanced metabolomics research
• Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in operating and maintaining analytical systems, particularly chromatography (GC and HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS, MS/MS), to ensure reliable, high‑quality data generation
• In‑depth experience in developing methods for GC–MS and LC–MS, with a focus on metabolic intermediates, enabling the delivery of project‑specific and innovative analytical solutions
• Demonstrated track record in designing and executing metabolomics experiments, from experimental concept to comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, as evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications in these fields.
• Advanced practical skills in developing robust protocols for sample collection and preparation, to ensure reproducibility and optimal sample integrity
• Broad knowledge of plant and microbial physiology, cultivation techniques, and a solid understanding of molecular biology, allowing effective integration of metabolic analyses into diverse biological research contexts
• Effective collaboration skills and a proven ability to work with diverse research teams across campus
• Excellent communication skills in both German and English, written and spoken, with the ability to engage effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Strong independent problem‑solving skills, initiative, and a high sense of responsibility, ensuring efficient project execution and innovation in method development

The employment serves the purpose of further academic qualification.

During the tenure‑track phase, candidates are expected to demonstrate the following:

• Establishment and continuous development of novel methodologies and analytical workflows in the areas of metabolic flux analysis and/or quantitative and spatial metabolomics, particularly in plant or plant‑associated systems, ensuring reliable service provision and user support
• Contributions to research in metabolomics, plant biology, or related fields, including co‑authorship of publications in peer‑reviewed journals and participation in scientific conferences, workshops, and symposia.
• Active contribution to the acquisition of third‑party funding in the fields of metabolomics and plant science, including involvement in competitive grant proposals.
• Engagement in teaching and training activities of the Cluster e.g. in the CEPLAS Graduate School or the QBio program.

About us

The Cluster of Excellence for Plant Sciences CEPLAS (www.ceplas.eu) is a joint initiative of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, the University of Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne, Forschungszentrum Jülich and IPK Gatersleben. CEPLAS develops innovative strategies for sustainable plant production. The CEPLAS Metabolism and Metabolomics Laboratory is an infrastructure unit within CEPLAS dedicated to supporting scientists in linking their research questions to metabolic outcomes. We provide guidance on experimental design, train researchers in relevant experimental procedures, and conduct metabolomics analyses. Our core expertise lies in the analysis of primary metabolites, signalling molecules, and stable isotope labelling experiments. To achieve this, we employ a range of analytical techniques, including GC–MS, HPLC–MS, and IC–MS, enabling coverage of a broad spectrum of metabolites. We also monitor additional metabolic parameters, such as δ¹³C profiles and metabolic sink levels such as total carbon, nitrogen, lipids or starch. Looking ahead, we aim to expand our capabilities in high‑throughput metabolic labelling analysis and plant‑focused metabolomics, with an emphasis on higher temporal and spatial resolution.

Heinrich Heine University upholds the principle of "Excellence through Diversity". It has signed the "Diversity Charter" and successfully participated in the Stifterverband's audit "Shaping Diversity". It is certified as a family‑friendly university and has set itself the goal of promoting diversity among its staff. Applications from people of all genders are expressly welcome. Applications from women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. The application of severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities is also welcome. In order for a severe disability or equality to be taken into account, please provide evidence of this with suitable documents.