Postdoctoral Researcher in AI/ML-driven LC-MS for biopharmaceutical characterization

HES-SO Valais-Wallis seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to integrate AI/ML with LC-HRMS for biopharmaceutical analysis in Sion, Switzerland.

This position is based within the Mass Spectrometry and Separation Sciences Laboratory (MS3L) at HES-SO Valais-Wallis. The role merges practical LC-HRMS experimentation with the development of AI/ML-driven data processing tools, requiring close cooperation within a multidisciplinary group.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the LC-Orbitrap instrument, handling method configuration and routine troubleshooting.
• Create and implement sample preparation protocols for intact-mass and peptide-mapping analyses of monoclonal antibodies and similar biopharmaceuticals.
• Process, interpret, and report HRMS data, focusing on multi-attribute method (MAM) and critical quality attribute workflows.
• Conduct analysis of host cell protein (HCP) profiles.
• Partner with software engineers to build, test, and validate AI/ML solutions for optimizing LC-HRMS data pipelines.
• Work with industry collaborators to adapt laboratory methods into practical, application-ready workflows.
• Support scientific dissemination through manuscripts, project reports, and conference presentations.

Requirements

• A PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven practical experience operating LC-HRMS systems, specifically Orbitrap mass spectrometers.
• Background in preparing protein or biopharmaceutical samples and analyzing resulting LC-MS data.
• Competent scripting skills in R, Python, or a comparable language for data handling.
• Strong organizational abilities and effective communication skills for collaborative work.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of French and German languages.
• Prior experience in antibody characterization.
• Familiarity with MAM workflows and HCP analysis techniques.
• Experience applying AI/ML methods to analytical datasets.
• Hands-on experience with nano- or micro-LC instrumentation.

What the company offers

• Opportunity to engage in applied research that addresses real-world challenges in AI/ML for biopharmaceutical analysis.
• Collaboration with expert scientists, engineers, and industry partners.
• Access to cutting-edge mass spectrometry equipment and computational resources.
• Excellent teaching and laboratory facilities in a modern analytical chemistry setting, including opportunities for teaching and student mentoring.
• A position located in Sion, a scenic town in the Swiss Alps and the capital of the Valais region.

About the company

The laboratory operates within a multidisciplinary team structure, working closely alongside software engineers and industry partners to bridge the gap between analytical science and computational innovation.

• Multidisciplinary teamwork with software engineers and industry stakeholders.