Job Offers

Expert (Post-doc) of Computational Metabolomics/Lipidomics at the Functional Genomics Center Zurich (100%)

The Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ) is a joint state-of-the-art research and training facility of the ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. With the latest technologies and key expertise for omics research, the FGCZ provides research services and project support to the Zurich life science research community.

Project background
The external page FGCZ Metabolomics Unit supports internal and external research groups by providing services, training, and access to instruments. Our portfolio includes the identification and quantification of metabolites and lipids in body fluids, tissues, and cells, among others. The team covers all steps from initial consultation, experimental design, sample preparation and processing, LC-MS/MS data acquisition, data processing, data analysis, and interpretation. The metabolomics unit collaborates closely with the bioinformatics unit, which supports the unit, and together, we continuously automate mass spec performance monitoring, computational metabolomics workflows, and pipelines.

Job description
The metabolomics unit at FGCZ is currently expanding its data analysis capabilities at the interface with the bioinformatics unit to automate data analysis pipelines, from data acquisition and QC monitoring to final reporting. To achieve this, we are seeking a computational metabolomics/lipidomics expert (post-doc level). The ideal candidate would fulfill at least five of the following tasks:

• Perform data analysis of LC-MS metabolomics and lipidomics datasets.
• Coach and support users and students on the analysis of metabolomics and lipidomics datasets
• Work in full integration with the bioinformatics unit to implement workflows in the existing data analysis infrastructure at FGCZ (e.g., B-Fabric)
• Benchmark and validate different metabolomics and lipidomics LC-MS/MS processing/analysis for robustness, reproducibility, and core facility performance.
• Build and automate end-to-end computational workflows for LC-MS data analysis of small molecules using R/Python, Snakemake/Nextflow, containerization (e.g. Docker), and version control (e.g. Git)
• Develop reproducible modules for metabolomics and lipidomics statistical data analysis delivered as Jupyter notebooks /R Markdown reports.

We offer

A highly interesting position at the intersection of technology and life science research, computational workflows, and project coordination. Employment conditions follow the regulations of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.

Training and professional development support includes:

• Training opportunities on the latest developments in metabolomics and lipidomics
• Excellent mentoring and support for career development by the group leader
• Exposure to national/international network activities of the FGCZ
• Dynamic and international team
• Highly modern working environment and employment conditions
• Being part of very diverse world-class projects that apply metabolomics and lipidomics.

The place of work is the Functional Genomics Center building, ETH/UZH, University of Zurich Irchel Campus  Y59 at Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.

Your profile

• PhD in analytical chemistry, computational metabolomics, cheminformatics, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields.
• Strong expertise in small-molecule LC-MS/MS data processing and interpretation (features, adducts, isotope patterns, MS² libraries, annotation, normalization, quantification).
• Experience in LC-MS data acquisition.
• Experience with developing or deploying automated metabolomics/lipidomics data analysis tools.
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills to collaborate with biologists, clinicians, and data scientists.
• Strong R or Python skills, with clean, documented, and tested code.
• Ideally, experience with data standards, and FAIR practices in metabolomics or lipidomics, and dashboards (e.g., Shiny).
• Advanced knowledge of English is essential; knowledge of German is considered a plus.
• Team player, ambitious, and motivated to make a difference through metabolomics and lipidomics.

Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Full CV
• Motivation letter
• Relevant certificates
• Reference letters when available

To apply, please email  the Metabolomics Unit Head, Dr. Alaa Othman () with all application documents as one PDF file. The application deadline is 31.01.2026. Interviews will be on a rolling basis. The position is available immediately and is limited to a two-year term, which may be extended.

For further information about the FGCZ, please visit our website at www.fgcz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Alaa Othman.