"Experimental PhD on Nanoparticle-Protein Interaction"

Job description

Are you interested in doing an experimental PhD at the interface of physics and chemistry, working on a fundamental research question with societal relevance? At the University of Amsterdam, we are looking for a PhD candidate who will use state-of-the-art techniques to investigate how the shape and aggregation of proteins is influenced by their interaction with nanoparticles.

Finding out how proteins interact with nanoparticles Plastic nanoparticles are everywhere, including in our own bodies, and there is increasing evidence that these nanoparticles affect our health. The biological effects of nanoparticles are ultimately due to their interaction with proteins. However, very little is known about the underlying nanoplastic-protein interactions that give rise to these biological effects. In this project, you will use advanced spectroscopy methods to investigate how plastic nanoparticles change the shape and aggregation behavior of proteins. This project will be done in collaboration with prof. Mireille Claessens (WUR), dr. Ioana Ilie (UvA) and dr. Alberto Pérez de Alba Ortíz (UvA).

This is what you are going to do

• You will set up and perform experiments on nanoparticles and proteins using spectroscopy methods, in particular two-dimensional and diffusion-ordered optical spectroscopy
• You will learn to quantitatively analyze the multidimensional data sets resulting from your experiments
• You will cooperate with computer-simulation and biophysics research groups to interpret your data
• You will report your results in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences

This is what we ask of you

• A MSc degree in physics or chemistry
• Good communication skills in oral and written English
• Experience with spectroscopy and/or soft matter is an advantage (but not required)
• Your interest in the specific topic of the research project should be explained in your application (otherwise you might not receive an answer to your application)

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (last year), scale P. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits: 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January; multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre; multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff; multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses; 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary; partly paid parental leave; the possibility to set up a workplace at home; a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution; the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

This is where you will work

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. We cooperate closely with the Soft-Matter research group of the Institute of Physics (UvA).

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.