"Postdoc position in High-Resolution Native (Single Molecule) Mass Spectrometry"

Job Description

You will join an expert team that performs cutting-edge research pushing the boundaries of mass spectrometry-based technologies to investigate proteins and protein assemblies. You will develop new mass analyzers and technologies to more accurately and sensitively investigate the mass, structure and function of macromolecular protein assemblies.

The primary objective of this project is to further develop mass spectrometry-based techniques to mass analyze proteins and protein assemblies. Our lab introduced innovative methods to increase the sensitivity of mass spectrometry, especially for large macromolecules such as viruses and immune complexes. As a postdoctoral researcher you will modify instruments and workflows and explore native mass spectrometry, cross-linking mass spectrometry, top-down proteomics and computational modeling. Your work will advance mass spectrometry technology, providing new possibilities to study the structure and function of protein assemblies and other large biomolecules.

Main Responsibilities

• Independently perform a combination of biochemistry, analytical chemistry and bioinformatic research to further push the boundaries of native mass spectrometry.
• Design, plan and perform experiments, followed by the analysis, interpretation and reporting of data and results.
• Bring in your own ideas and new directions to gain knowledge to start your own academic career.
• Communicate and interact with the research group as well as with collaboration partners from academia and industry.
• Write scientific publications and present at national and/or international conferences.
• Modify, operate and maintain mass spectrometers (ZenoToF, TimsTOF and Orbitraps).
• Assist or, when motivated, take the lead in educational activities like training PhD or master students.

Requirements

• PhD in structural mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics and/or instrument engineering.
• Keen interest in instrumentation and fundamentals of mass spectrometry.
• Previous experience and keen interest in developing skills in data analysis, statistics, and/or visualization is an advantage.
• Previous hands-on experience (and passion) for structural biology is an advantage.
• Strong social skills and communication skills in English are essential.

Conditions of Employment

A position for one year (1.0 FTE), with an extension of two additional years upon positive evaluation; a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development.

Employer

Universiteit Utrecht. A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure.

The Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) is the research institute of the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Utrecht University. UIPS focuses on processes around discovery, development, and use of drugs and medical nutrition using molecular and technological principles from the Natural and Life Sciences. This research is well positioned in the Faculty of Science to work on basic scientific problems and to translate new findings into potential solutions to urgent societal medical needs, which are addressed in the Faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Every year around 400 peer-reviewed articles are published and around 30 PhD candidates defend their thesis. UIPS is partner in several open-source innovation networks.

You will be embedded in the division of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics. The research in this division focuses on the use of mass spectrometry based enabling technologies to deeply understand the inner workings of cells at the molecular level. Mass spectrometry enables the characterization of molecules that are present in cells and allows thereby the identification, quantification and characterization of proteins and other biomolecules that work together and are involved in all cellular processes. The group houses an excellent infrastructure that includes more than a dozen state-of-the-art mass spectrometers, combined with cell culture facilities and access to microscopes etc. The group is world-renown for mass spectrometry-based proteomics and structural biology, and applies these technologies to study amongst others cancer, auto-immune disorders, immunology, infections, and infectious diseases. Additionally, the group is on the forefront of developing new mass spectrometry based technologies in chemical proteomics, structural biology and the analysis of protein post-translational modifications.