Specialized Technician in Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

VHIR (Vall d’Hebron Research Institute) is a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research, innovation, and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. Since 1994, we have been working to identify and implement new solutions to society's health problems, achieving leadership and excellence in clinical and translational biomedical research in the national and international spheres.
- VHIR offers a 50% shared position between the Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery & Therapy Research group and the High Technology Unit (UAT), for a** specialized technician in chromatography and mass spectrometry.**
- The Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy group participates in the project RED NACIONAL DE LABORATORIOS DE FUNCION RENAL that investigates the measurement of kidney glomerular filtrate using a tracer measured by liquid chromatography. In addition, the group develops several mass spectrometry-based methods to detect drugs, metabolites and biomarkers.
- The UAT belongs to the VHIR pre-clinical core-facilities and provides highly specialized equipment along with scientific and technical expertise in the services offered in its five platforms: Cytometry, Microscopy, Genomics, Metabolomics and Molecular Diagnosis. In addition, UAT collaborates with other VHIR core-facilities for giving an integrated support to biomedical research projects, as well as managing specialized training and teaching activities. Specifically, the UAT Metabolomics Platform holds a UPLC-MS/MS system for targeted analysis and quantification of metabolites and small peptides.
- This position will be dedicated to fulfilling research necessities in developing bioanalytical methods based on chromatography and mass spectrometry, with the aim of detecting and quantifying endogenous and exogenous metabolites, as well as small peptides, in different kinds of biological substrates. This process includes several steps: methodological design, sample processing and data analysis. The collaboration between the High Technology Unit and the Clinical Biochemistry group will enhance the efficiency of this process and will support its transference to clinical practice.
- The UAT is certified by the Quality Management System ISO9001:2015.

**Education and qualifications**:
**Required**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biology, Genetics or similar)
- Fluid written and spoken Catalan, Spanish and English
- Specific training in chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques.

**Desired**:

- Master’s Degree in Biochemistry or Life Sciences_

**Experience and knowledge**:
**Required**:

- Theoretical knowledge of mass spectrometry technologies, as well as general principles of targeted and untargeted metabolomics and proteomics.
- Practical knowledge of general chemistry laboratory techniques.
- At least 1 year of experience at user level in handling HPLC-MS/MS equipment for targeted methods, including sample preparation, method development, data analysis and interpretation.
- Strong customer orientation.
- Good team player.
- Proactive, rigorous, organized person, able to work autonomously, committed to the tasks required by the position.
- Willing to learn, flexibility, adaptability and resilience.

**Desired**:

- Practical knowledge of clinical laboratory operations and clinical sample management
- Experience working under a quality management system (preferably ISO9001:2015, other systems will be also valued)

**Main responsibilities and duties**:
**_ Regarding to the Biochemistry group:_**
- HPLC chromatographic analysis of patient’s samples
- Handling, processing and storage of patient’s samples
- Patient’s samples database maintenance and update
- Instrument maintenance
- General support to research procedures
- Stock control of consumables and reagents

**Regarding the High Technology Unit (UAT)**:

- To support users on all the stages related to chromatography and mass spectrometry projects: quotation, sample preparation, experimental design, methodology development, data analysis and interpretation. To fully develop new bioanalytical methods, as required by the service users.
- To train new users in equipment usage so they can become self-sufficient.
- To plan and to perform instrument quality controls and internal maintenance. To manage breakdowns with external service providers.
- To write technical documentation (standard operating procedures, instruction manuals, etc.)
- To manage the stock of consumables needed to perform the experimental techniques.
- To attend training activities according to the annual training plan.
- To carry out the administrative and general operating tasks necessary for the proper functioning of the UAT Metabolomics Platform, especially those related to service request management.
- To participate in educational/outreaching activities organized by UAT/VHIR.
- To support other UAT services, when required.
- To work under the quality management syste