"Postdoc Position in Proteomics and Immuno-Oncology"

Job Description

Are you passionate about exploring how immune and tumour cells communicate? Join our team to apply innovative quantitative proximity-based proteomics and mass spectrometry to study cell signalling, protein-protein interactions, and cancer immunology, advancing our understanding of complex immune–tumour molecular engagement.

In recent years, we have developed new proximity-based proteomics methods to investigate protein signaling dynamics between cytotoxic immune cells and their tumor targets. To further advance the impact of these tools in the biological and clinical setting, this project will focus on increasing sensitivity of existing technologies to enable the analysis of primary material. We will aim for smooth integration of the experimental workflows and data analysis to address clinically relevant biological question in cancer immunology. We aim to functionally validate our proteomics discoveries with in vitro phenotypic assays and microscopy imaging.

For this position, we seek a highly motivated biochemist or analytical chemist with proven expertise in proximity labeling, mass spectrometry and proteomics and experience with cell culture and flow cytometry, preferably working with immune cells. Having your own project, you will team-up with dedicated researchers combining expertise in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics to further develop state-of-the-art proteomics methods that will answer pressing biological questions.

Requirements

We are looking for a driven candidate who fits well with the following qualifications:

• a PhD degree in the field of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or relevant fields;
• experience with high-end LC-MS and high-throughput proteomics technologies;
• experience with protein purification, proximity labeling and sample MS preparation protocols;
• experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry and antibody staining;
• experience with handling of large datasets and basic programming skills or R-experience;
• strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Conditions of Employment

a position for one year (1.0 FTE), with an extension of a year upon a 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.

You will be part of the larger Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics group. The group focuses on the use of mass spectrometry to understand the inner workings of cells. Mass spectrometry enables the characterization of molecules that are present in cells and allows thereby the identification and characterization of proteins and other biomolecules that work together and are involved in cellular processes and in disease. The group houses an excellent array of state-of-the-art mass spectrometers, combined with extensive protein and peptide separation methods, cell culture and molecular biology labs, and bioinformatics infrastructure. The group has world-renown expertise in the analysis of intact (native) proteins, proteomes, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions and cellular signaling by mass spectrometry. Therefore, dedicated mass spectrometers and LC methods have been and are developed allowing the analysis of the structure and function of protein machineries.