Postdoctoral position – Microfluidic-based Sample Introduction for Analysis of Single Cells and Single Nano/Micro Materials using ICP-TOFMS

The research group for Trace Element and Micro Analysis of Prof. D. Günther in the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry (Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich) is searching for postdoctoral fellow (two years) in element analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the quantification of the element composition of biological cells.

Analyses of single cells by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods has gained substantial interest in the past decade. With the advent of new time-of-flight mass spectrometers the short transient signals produced by the elements present in individual cells could be comprehensively analysed for the first time. The method is now widely used in bio-analytical applications and cancer research to investigate either endogeneous metal contents of cells or isotope-labelled antibody tags to decipher the cell status. Current approaches however lack an unbiased introduction of cell populations with a wide spread in sizes. Larger, heavier cells tend to be under-represented in the detection system due to the horizontal arrangement of the common sample introduction methods.

We have developed a novel ICP-TOFMS configuration which avoids cell discrimination based on size and/or mass to overcome this limitation. This concept shall be further improved and coupled to a state of the art sample introduction system to enhance the overall efficiency of the method as well as the sample or cell throughput.

Thetwo year project will focus on the development of an online cell sorting sample introduction system for quantitative element analysis of single cells using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The major goal is the development and characterization of an novel approach combining online cell sorting at high throughput and a unique downwards pointing inductively coupled time of flight plasma mass spectrometer.

The researcher will have access to State of the Art ICP and unique ICP-TOF mass spectrometers. Furthermore, collaboration with colleagues from different Departments at ETH will provide access to cell cultures and cell cultivation facilities to prepare proof-of-concept samples for testing the instrument development progress.

The candidate should have a PhD in Chemistry or related interdisciplinary fields. A good knowledge of general analytical chemical concepts, mass spectrometry and microfluidics in particular are major assets for the position. Furthermore, instrument development and computer programming skills in Python as well as interest in data clustering and machine learning would be an advantage. In addition, we expect basic teaching experience in German and English.

• An integrating environment in a motivated research group
• Advanced instrumentation and methods for quantitative elemental analysis
• Support for career development and networking
• Substantial international visibility in a vibrant field of research
• Commitment to diversity