PhD Position / Research Associate Position - Analytical Instrumentation

Your Job:

The structural characterization of biomolecules and their complexes requires multiple analytical tools to capture detailed information across various levels of spatial, dynamic, and temporal organization. High-resolution structural details are often obtained using electron microscopy and crystallography-based approaches, which provide insights into the architecture of these molecules at an atomic level. Mass spectrometry-based approaches are frequently employed to obtain high-resolution, high-accuracy molecular information and lower-level structural details. The integration of these techniques is essential for a comprehensive understanding of molecular structures at different organizational levels. This holistic view is vital for unraveling the functions of biomolecules and their interactions with other molecular species or receptors, which is key to advancing fields such as drug development, biotechnology, and molecular biology.

This PhD project aims to advance methodologies and instrumentation related to sample preparation, handling, transfer, and analysis within the domains of electron microscopy and complementary techniques for the characterization of biologically relevant samples.

• You will be involved in the design, development, and testing phases of several innovative methodologies and technologies such as bio-affinitive charge-free sample carriers, cryogen-free cryogenic sample transfer, and live cell imaging techniques.
  
• The developed methodologies will be evaluated with complementary technologies such as mass spectrometry, light microscopy, spectroscopy, and crystallography.
  
• Along the way, you will develop and utilize a range of advanced skills, including imaging technologies and software, analytical and imaging methodologies, biological sample preparation, vacuum technology, and electrical and mechanical engineering. Furthermore, you are expected to present your work in scientific journals and at scientific conferences which will utilize skills such as technical writing, public speaking, and study of the current scientific literature base.
  
• You will also be able to gain experience teaching and mentoring bachelor and master students.

Your Profile:

• A master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Analytical Science and Technology, or a related subject
  
• Proficiency in English (C1 or higher)
  
• Lab experience with chemical or physics instrumentation
  
• Capacity to quickly acquire new knowledge and master new skills
  
• Interest and ability in hands-on research activities
  
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
  
• Problem solving skills and creativity
  
• A desire and ability to share your research through oral and written communication
  

Other experience / skills that would be helpful for the project:

• Transmission and scanning electron microscopy
  
• Mass spectrometry
  
• Spectroscopy
  
• Analytical techniques and methodologies
  
• Instrument control systems and software
  
• Ion and electron beam optics
  
• Biological sample preparation
  
• Vacuum technology

Our Offer:

This is a 4-year long paid position, shared between the M4i Institute at Maastricht University, Netherlands, and the ER-C1 at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. You will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Ron M. A. Heeren (M4i), Prof. Dr. Rafal Dunin-Borkowski (FZJ), Penghan Lu (FZJ), and Dr. Anjusha Mathew (M4i).

At Forschungszentrum Jülich we work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree.

• Highly motivated scientists of different subject areas working together
  
• A diverse and highly motivated working group of international character within one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Interdisciplinary work combining physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• The opportunity to participate on conferences and project meetings
  
• Continuous professional supervision by your scientific supervisor
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• Special services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  
• Flexible work arrangements, e.g. remote work to a degree
  
• 30 days of annual leave and an attractive regulation for bridging days
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere, we have a lot more to offer in Jülich: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

Pay at Forschungszentrum Jülich is in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees as well as nwo.nl/en/salary-tables.

The anticipated start date is early autumn 2024, but reasonable accommodation can be made for the right candidate.

Place of employment: Jülich (Germany) and Maastricht (Netherlands)

With your application, please upload your CV, motivation letter, copie(s) of your tertiary degrees and the contact details of at least two references.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.