Research Engineer (M/F) in Structural Mass Spectrometry Applied to Therapeutic Antibodies

Job Description

Missions

The Research Engineer will join the Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire (CBM, CNRS, Orléans, France) as part of the EPIMAP project, conducted in collaboration with Agro-Bio and coordinated by Dr. Guillaume Gabant.
The main mission will be to develop, optimize, and implement an innovative high-resolution epitope mapping methodology combining hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and covalent cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to characterize antigen–antibody interactions involved in the development of therapeutic antibodies.
The successful candidate will also contribute to the processing, interpretation, and dissemination of the data generated within the EPIMAP project.

Activity

- Operate and maintain the automated sample preparation system dedicated to hydrogen–deuterium exchange experiments.
- Develop, optimize, and implement HDX-MS and XL-MS experimental workflows within the EPIMAP project.
- Perform epitope mapping studies on model systems and therapeutically relevant antigen–antibody complexes.
- Conduct mass spectrometry analyses in both bottom-up and top-down modes using instrumentation dedicated to structural biology applications.
- Process, analyze, and interpret mass spectrometry datasets using specialized software tools.
- Contribute to the integration of HDX-MS, XL-MS, and NMR data for the characterization of biomolecular interaction interfaces.
- Participate in the scientific monitoring and management of the project and maintain regular interactions with the industrial partner.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, and conference communications.
- Participate in training activities and knowledge transfer to users and staff involved in the developed methodologies.
- Present research results at project meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
- Maintain scientific and technological awareness in the fields of structural mass spectrometry and epitope mapping.

Your Profil

Skills

Education and Experience
- PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in mass spectrometry applied to biomolecular analysis.
- Experience in structural mass spectrometry (HDX-MS, XL-MS, top-down MS) will be highly valued.

Scientific and Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of mass spectrometry and protein analysis.
- Good understanding of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) principles.
- Knowledge of protein biochemistry and structural biology.
- Experience in the preparation and handling of biological samples.
- Understanding of protein–protein interactions and structural characterization approaches.
- Experience with hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS), or electron capture dissociation (ECD) will be considered an asset.

Operational Skills
- Design, optimize, and implement experimental protocols.
- Perform mass spectrometry analyses and interpret experimental results.
- Process and analyze complex scientific datasets.
- Ensure experimental traceability and scientific data management.
- Write technical and scientific reports.
- Communicate scientific results effectively in both oral and written forms.

Software and Data Analysis Tools
- Proficiency with standard office software.
- Experience with mass spectrometry data analysis software.
- Knowledge of HDX-MS and/or XL-MS software packages (e.g., DynamX, HDExaminer, or equivalent) will be appreciated.

Language Skills
- Excellent written and spoken scientific English, including reading scientific literature, writing reports and publications, delivering presentations at international conferences, and interacting with application specialists from mass spectrometry instrumentation manufacturers.

Personal Skills
- Strong autonomy, rigor, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Capacity to interact with both academic and industrial partners.
- Scientific curiosity, initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

Your Work Environment

The Center for Molecular Biophysics (CBM) is a CNRS research institute comprising approximately 160 staff members. CBM develops interdisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of life and the dysfunctions leading to disease development.
The Research Engineer will join the MO²VING platform and will be under the direct supervision of the platform manager. The successful candidate will interact closely with platform staff, research teams within the laboratory, and external collaborators.
Employment Conditions and Benefits
- Full-time position: 38.5 hours per week.
- 44 days of annual leave per year.
- On-site subsidized staff restaurant.
- Employer contribution of 75% toward public transportation subscriptions.
- Sustainable mobility allowance.
- Sports and recreational activities organized by the local social action committee.
- Campus childcare and leisure facilities.
- Additional CNRS employee benefits.

Constraints and risks

- Experimental work in structural biology and mass spectrometry laboratories.
- Operation of advanced scientific instrumentation and handling of chemical reagents in compliance with safety regulations.
- Regular interactions with the industrial partner involved in the project.
- Occasional travel for project meetings, training sessions, and scientific conferences

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

from 3 144 € gross monthly depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions