Postdoctoral Researcher in AI/ML-driven LC-MS for biopharmaceutical characterization (80%)

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Valais (HES-SO Valais-Wallis) has over 2,800 students. Through research and innovation, it contributes to economic and social development and the creation of jobs. The new Energypolis campus, home to the School of Engineering, EPFL and modern start-ups, is an innovative ecosystem for education and research. Why not come and join us?

The School of Engineering at the Energypolis campus invites applications for the following position within the Institute of Systems Engineering:

Postdoctoral Researcher in AI/ML-driven LC-MS for biopharmaceutical characterization (80%)

The Mass Spectrometry and Separation Sciences Laboratory (MS3L) at the HES-SO Valais-Wallis is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), proteomics and biotherapeutic characterization. The successful candidate will combine hands-on Orbitrap-based analysis with active participation in the development of AI/ML-assisted data processing, working in a multidisciplinary team alongside software engineers and industry partners.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the LC-Orbitrap system, including method setup and routine troubleshooting.

• Develop and execute sample-preparation protocols for intact-mass and peptide-mapping analysis of monoclonal antibodies and related biopharmaceuticals.

• Perform HRMS data processing, interpretation and reporting, including multi-attribute method (MAM) and critical-quality-attribute workflows.

• Analyze host cell protein (HCP) profiles.

• Collaborate with software engineers to design, test and validate AI/ML tools for LC-HRMS data analysis and pipeline optimization.

• Engage with industry partners to translate methods into application-ready workflows.

• Contribute to manuscripts, project reports and scientific presentations.

Selection criteria

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with LC-HRMS operation, in particular Orbitrap mass spectrometers.

• Experience with protein/biopharmaceutical sample preparation and LC-MS data analysis.

• Working proficiency in at least one scripting language (R, Python or similar) for data handling and analysis.

• Strong assets include: experience with antibody characterization; familiarity with MAM workflows and HCP analysis; experience applying AI/ML methods to analytical data; experience with nano/micro LC instrumentation.

• Strong organizational, communication and collaborative skills.

• Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required; French and German language skills are a plus.

What we offer

• Stimulating applied research addressing real-world challenges in AI/ML for biopharmaceutical analysis.

• Close collaboration with expert scientists, engineers and industry partners.

• Access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation and computational tools.

• Excellent teaching and laboratory facilities in a modern analytical chemistry environment, with the opportunity to develop teaching and student mentoring experience.

• A position based in Sion, a picturesque town in the heart of the Alps and the sunny capital of Valais.

Employment 80%

Place of work Sion

Starting date November 2026 or upon agreement

Contract duration 2 years

For further information, please contact Saša Miladinovic, associate professor UAS, at sasa.miladinovic(a)hevs.ch.

Please submit your complete application documents (CV, motivation letter, diplomas and certificates) by 21 August 2026 by clicking on the Apply button. Only online applications will be considered.