Doctoral scholarship Application of ion mobility mass spectrometry for increasing confidence in the identification and assessment of contaminants of emerging concern in indoor environment and humans

Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences
Regime Full-time

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The Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder (100%) to work on the project “Application of ion mobility mass spectrometry for increasing confidence in the identification and assessment of contaminants of emerging concern in the indoor environment and humans” in the frame of the “Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Training Network”.

MobiliTraIN  is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network aiming to bring new fundamental understanding of ion mobility high resolution mass spectrometry (IM-HRMS), provide reference materials and guidelines for standardisation, develop state-of-the-art methods for the application of IM-HRMS in biopharmaceutical development, biological omics studies and non-target screening of contaminants, and lay the foundations for the adoption of IM-HRMS in industry by training 13 doctoral candidates.

The project to be conducted at the University of Antwerp will be executed at the Toxicological Centre  (TC), which has extensive analytical expertise and instrumental capabilities related to human exposure assessment and environmental and analytical toxicology.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of analytical and environmental chemistry
• You will develop LC-IM-HRMS approaches for the broad screening of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) present in the indoor environment and humans.
• You will deliver new experimental methods for collision-cross section (CCS) database generation for compounds associated with hazardous environmental properties.
• You will increase the knowledge on CECs regarding their distribution in the indoor environment and humans.
• The project will offer training (e.g. in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, bioinformatics), the possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences, a strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility, and the possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• Academic Master recognized by the EU in one of the following disciplines: chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental sciences or related fields, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Knowledge in analytical chemistry, in particular in separation sciences and mass spectrometry, statistics, bioinformatics. Hands-on experience in mass spectrometry is an asset.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Flexibility and team spirit in an international research environment.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

Eligibility criteria

Specific Eligibility Criteria  of the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) programme apply, including the mobility rule and PhD rule. Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply.

• Mobility rule: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date (i.e., the start of employment).
• PhD Rule: Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

What we offer

• A thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training programme.
• The possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
• 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.
• A strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
• The possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research labs in Europe.
• A prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship.
• The planned start date is 1st  May 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances in line with the MSCA WP 2021-2022 .  The gross monthly amount at UAntwerpen  corresponds to the amount for doctoral scholarship holders. Moreover, funding is available for technical and personal skills training and participation in international research events.
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at campus Drie Eiken (Antwerp, Belgium) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 30th  March 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Adrian Covaci, [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 organisation 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.