The _CMMI (Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging. https://www.cmmi.be)_ is a core facility created by UMONS (Université de Mons) and ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) to assist academic researchers in their projects and to support the fast-growing surrounding biotech ecosystem (Biopark Charleroi. https://biopark.be/en). Projects we are involved in, are interdisciplinary but mainly oriented towards life sciences and biomedical sciences.

Our multidisciplinary teams provide knowhow in fluorescence and electronic microscopy (SEM, TEM and CryoEM), as well as a remarkable in vivo imaging expertise in small animals including both ionizing imaging modalities (micro-CT, microPET and microSPECT) and non-ionizing imaging approaches such as MRI, MSOT and optical imaging. We also carry out validation of tissue-based biomarkers using standardized immunohistochemistry digital pathology investigations, with up to date automates. Finally, experts devoted to multimodal image processing provide transversal support for image processing, analysis and data quantification. Projects, in which we are involved in, are interdisciplinary, but mainly oriented towards life sciences and biomedical sciences. Our teams bring their state-of-the-art equipment and expertise while developing new protocols and techniques and participating in research consortiums.

At the end of the year, CMMI will welcome a new department from UMONS (Prof. R. Wattiez. https://web.umons.ac.be/en/missions/research) dedicate to imaging mass cytometry and spectrometry. These emerging tools for mapping the spatial distribution of proteins, DNA/RNA, metabolites and lipids across tissue surfaces will add another string to the bow, completing the ex vivo proposition already in place (Digital pathology by Immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence).

The position

The selected candidate will become part of an interdisciplinary environment provided by the CMMI and the faculty of sciences of UMONS (proteomics and microbiology department: Prof. R. Wattiez). He/she/They will be involved in scientific collaborations with academia as well as service prestation for industries. In addition, He/She/They will be responsible for the installation and the development of methods of state-of-the-art equipment.

The main functions include:

• Projects writing and management,
• Samples preparation for imaging mass cytometry (IMC) (design of antibodies panel, immunostaining, …).
• Piloting IMC instrument.
• Data processing using dedicated software such as VisioPharm or similar.
• Discussion and negotiation with scientists and clients, administrative follow-up (quotation, report writing…)
• Instrument and lab logistic: maintenance, calibration, alignments, management of supplies and data storage, …
• Development of new protocols for sample preparation, data acquisition and data processing
• Keeping the facility to the state-of-the-art; discussion with the manufacturers and the engineers
• Tender submission, grant application for new instruments, negotiation of maintenance contracts
• Formation and assistance to autonomous users, participation in university students’ formation.
• Reception of visitors and students and presentation of CMMI activities and technologies

Your profile

Applications are invited for chemists, biologists, engineer with expertise in spatially resolved single-cell MS imaging, specifically in the areas of imaging mass cytometry. We are looking for a highly qualified candidate with an excellent record in imaging mass cytometry and/or spectrometry. The ideal candidates will have a strong focus on employing IMC in a multidisciplinary approach to address important and challenging biological questions.

Main requirements are:

• You have a PhD or a MSc+5y of experience in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
• You possess 1-5 years of experience in imaging mass cytometry and/or mass spectrometry field and, depending on experience, a demonstrated history of sustained grant support.
• You are familiar with the imagery-and or cytometry data processing pipelines and the processing software mentioned here-above.
• You are willing to get involved in various projects, to push back your knowledge in biology and cytometry, to develop and learn new techniques. Expertise in mass spectrometry would be an asset.
• You can work as part of a team; you easily interact with other scientists with different backgrounds.
• You are flexible, precise, rigorous, and organized.

Offer details

Evaluation of applications will be based on scientific excellence. Successful candidates will be offered a full-time position of 2 years with a possible renewals that could lead to a full-time permanent contract. Salary depends on seniority (6 years max.) and are in accordance with the internal University agreement. The Post-Doc is expected to start in September 2023