Senior Mass Spectrometry Scientist (Deputy Head of Metabolomics)

Organization: CMF, Lead Entity for the protecting.health Global Initiative

Type: Full-time

The Center for Molecular Fingerprinting (CMF,  www.cmf.hu ), led by the 2023 Nobel Laureate in Physics Prof. Dr. Ferenc Krausz, is an interdisciplinary, nonprofit research institution. We are an international team of laser scientists, molecular biologists, medical doctors, engineers, and data analysts who came together driven by a common goal: moving the frontiers of health monitoring and probing human health. Our mission is driven by the vision of a reliable, cost-effective approach to safeguard the health of whole populations and develop new ways for the earliest possible detection of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

As part of our groundbreaking H4H (Health for Hungary - Hungary for Health) and protecting,health global initiatve programs, we are collecting biofluid samples from thousands of volunteers over 10 years from Hungary, Germany and Hong Long. We are now seeking for a

Senior Mass Spectrometry Scientist

to act as Deputy Head of Metabolomics. The post holder will ensure stable, high-throughput operation of seven Waters G3 mass spectrometers for LC-MS-based metabolomics analyses of human samples by leading day-to-day instrument operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs, and by driving continuous improvement of platform robustness and uptime.

Key Responsibilities:

Operation, maintenance and repair of seven Waters G3 mass spectrometers

• Execute preventive maintenance (source cleaning, vacuum checks, calibrations, tuning) and maintain detailed service logs for all instruments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware and performance issues (vacuum, pumps, ion optics, electronics, LC components); perform repairs when feasible.
• Coordinate vendor service (Waters) and manage spare parts, consumables, and service contracts; track costs and lead time critical inventory.
• Establish and monitor KPIs (uptime, failures, turnaround time, mass accuracy, sensitivity) and drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Metabolomics platform leadership (Deputy Head of Metabolomics)

• Support the Head of Metabolomics in planning capacity, prioritizing projects, and coordinating day-to-day platform activities.
• Own the instrument operations schedule (runs, calibrations, service windows) to maximize uptime and throughput for human-cohort studies.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs for instrument operation, maintenance, and quality assurance; ensure documentation is audit-ready.
• Train and mentor scientists and technicians in best practices for Waters G3 operation, troubleshooting, and contamination prevention.

High-throughput LC-MS metabolomics for human biofluid samples

• Optimize and maintain robust LC-MS methods for high-throughput analyses (e.g., run time, carryover control, contamination management, stability).
• Design and implement QC strategies (pooled QCs, blanks, system suitability, drift monitoring) and define acceptance criteria for routine production.
• Work closely with sample preparation and automation teams to ensure smooth end-to-end workflows and rapid recovery from interruptions.
• Review system performance trends, investigate outliers, and communicate clear, actionable updates to stakeholders; contribute to reports and publications.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• MSc or PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field
• ≥5 years of hands-on experience in LC-MS-based metabolomics, including running high-throughput studies on human biofluids
• Strong hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Waters (UPLC and G3-generation MS) systems; service/repair experience is a plus
• Solid understanding of MS fundamentals (ion sources, vacuum systems, ion optics, calibration/lockmass, mass accuracy, sensitivity) and common failure modes
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a matrix environment: training others, setting standards, and driving continuous process improvement
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken) for international collaboration and scientific reporting

We offer:

• A versatile range of work packages, including:

• Higher-than-usual cafeteria allowance,
• Private health insurance,
• 30 guaranteed annual vacation days,
• Professional training opportunities.

• Team activities and team-building events.
• A dynamic work environment with the opportunity to engage in a rapidly evolving and innovative field.
• Long-term opportunities alongside highly qualified and motivated professionals.
• An international work environment with professional development opportunities.
• A solution-oriented atmosphere with the chance to contribute to the success of a dynamic and growing organization.

Questions

For questions about the role, please contact;

Min Kim, Chief Scientific Officer, at cso@cmf.hu.

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. CV/resume
2. Short cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your fit for the Senior Mass Spectrometry Scientist role

Send applications to: HR@cmf.hu

Subject line: Application - Senior Mass Spectrometry Scientist - CMF

Application Deadline: 15 April 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position(s) may be filled before the deadline. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

CMF reserves the right to close the advertisement as soon as suitable candidates have been identified.