Postdoc researcher mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics platform for biological and clinical research

Department: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Regime Full-time

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time post-doc researcher to develop an LC-HRMS platform for metabolomics in human matrices. The project will be executed at the Toxicological Centre  of the University of Antwerp (TC, UA) , which has extensive analytical expertise and instrumental capabilities related to human exposure assessment and environmental and analytical toxicology. The TC has also developed in-house untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics analytical platforms based on liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) for the analysis of different biological matrices, such as cell extracts and animal tissues.

However, there is an urgent need to evaluate and refine these platforms for the analysis of human biological fluids, such as blood and urine. This post-doctoral position aims at determining the diagnostic power of metabolomics for the screening of diseases, by using untargeted and targeted metabolomics (LC-HRMS and GC-HRMS) and big data mining approaches in well-characterized phenotypically patients. 

Job description:

• To develop and optimize sample preparation procedures for blood and urine to ensure a wide coverage of the metabolome in these complex matrices.
• To tailor the current untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics platforms based on LC-QTOF-MS for the specific needs and characteristics of these matrices.
• To investigate the usefulness of including additional separation dimensions, such as 2D-LC or ion mobility in the acquisition of data of higher quality.
• To refine the current data processing and metabolite annotation workflows using vendor and open access software tools for the specific needs of the human metabolome and lipidome.
• To propose a set of QA/QC measures and criteria for the data acquisition and data analysis workflows to ensure the production of high-quality data.
• To facilitate data sharing through available data repositories designed for metabolomics data and promote data reusability.

The outcomes of this project would be to establish an untargeted metabolomics/lipidomics platform at UAntwerpen for human biological fluids, and potentially to establish the molecular fingerprint of critical illness determined in biofluids.

Profile and requirements:

• You hold a PhD in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical or environmental sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related area, obtained after 1 January 2020.
• You have experience and solid knowledge with the handling and use of LC and/or GC coupled to HRMS and the preparation of biological samples (biofluids, tissues, and/or cells) for MS-based metabolomics.
• You have experience in bioinformatics to process HRMS data for statistical analyses and biomarker discovery.
• You possess excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
• You are available to work full time, with high motivation, good planning, communication, and organizational skills.
• You are able to work effectively both independently and in team, as part of a multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural team; you can manage conflicting demands and meet deadlines.
• You commit , upon acceptance of the mandate, to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship at a subsequent Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) post-doc  call (Sept 2024) and/or FWO post-doc  call (Dec 2024), with the University of Antwerp as host institution.

What we offer

• Scientific development opportunities in an international cooperative, interdisciplinary research environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic, international and professional team
• Extensive state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure
• The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops
• A competitive salary
• The duration of the post-doc position is 12 months from the start of the above-mentioned research project. This duration can be extended until one of the fellowships mentioned above has been approved.
• The planned start date is 1 April 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.

How to apply:

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 31 January 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a 1-page motivation letter and your CV.
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in February 2024 and will be asked to prepare a short (1-page) project proposal to be discussed during the interview.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . For questions about the project please contact: Prof. Dr. Adrian Covaci ([email protected] ) or Prof. Alexander van Nuijs ([email protected] ).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organization which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.