Principal duties and responsibilities

The principal duties and responsibilities of the postholder will be to:

• Develop and validate methods for the accurate quantification of host cell proteins (HCPs) in pure protein standards and calibrators;
• Optimize enzymatic digestion protocols to ensure comprehensive digestion of HCPs in protein primary calibration materials;
• Develop a “label-free”, data processing workflow using available proteomics software (proteome discoverer, MaxQuant, Skyline) to extract peak area signals from proteotypic peptides of HCPs and external/internal standard proteins in analyzed samples;
• Develop an external calibration strategy to value assign the HCPs mass fractions in protein calibrator solutions based on the LC-hrMS measurements of HCP proteotypic peptides;
• Validate method for robustness linearity, LOQ, precision and trueness, and establish uncertainty budget;
• Draft internal reports of laboratory work and articles for peer-reviewed publication;
• Ensure the laboratory remains clean, organized, and compliant with safety and quality standards by applying good laboratory practices (GLP);
• Undertake additional tasks supporting the role as requested by the Department Director.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic background

• A Ph.D. degree in a relevant field (analytical chemistry or biochemistry).

Professional background

• Experience and competence in the operation of in liquid chromatography (LC)systems, mass spectrometry (MS) including high resolution instruments and preferably Orbitrap systems;
• Strong technical knowledge of proteomics data analysis workflows, particularly bottom-up and label-free approaches for protein identification and quantification;
• Experience with proteomics software such as MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, Skyline, or similar;
• Sample preparation techniques for peptide / protein analysis (hydrolysis, enzymatic digestion, modifications, labelling);
• Validation of analytical methods based on LC-MS;
• Label-free quantification of peptide / protein impurities such as host cell proteins in biological products or samples.

Skills and competencies

• Fluency in spoken and written English;
• Teamwork with demonstrated aptitude to willingly make contributions to the team and support and share experiences and knowledge with others;
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to maintain good working relations inside and outside the organization;
• Self-motivated, proactive and autonomous work style;
• Capability to pay attention to detail and to work methodically and rigorously.

Terms of Employment and Benefits

• Full-time 1 year fixed-term appointment, with an initial probationary period of 3 months, renewable once.
• Competitive gross annual salary starting from 57 839 euros, plus allowances subject to eligibility, including compensation for an expatriate status.
• Salaries and allowances exempt from income tax in France (French nationals and permanent residents in France subject to “taux effectif” of the French tax system).
• 30 days paid holiday per year.
• Contributory pension scheme and comprehensive private health insurance which can be extended to dependants.

More information on the Benefits and General Conditions of Employment at the BIPM

Applications and Selection process

The BIPM encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender.

A full curriculum vitae (CV) and a covering letter (in English) should be sent by 31 May 2026 (23h59 Paris time).

Applications should include the names of 2 referees who can comment on the applicant's suitability for the post (who will only be contacted with the prior permission of the candidate). Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. They may be invited to take part in a distance written test and/or in a remote interview. Thereafter, successful candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview. A roster of suitable candidates may be established for this post. The selection process may be modified.

The BIPM retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a different grade, to make an appointment with a modified job description, or to offer a contract term for a shorter duration than the one indicated in this vacancy announcement.