PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry of Intact Immunoglobulins

As a result, the study of glycoforms is mainly done at the glycan or glycopeptide level, missing crucial information on the localization and co-expression of glycoproteoforms. Additionally, the functional study of changes in (glyco)proteoforms requires cumbersome and error-prone glycoform purification strategies, as established affinity technologies cannot differentiate the properties of mixtures of glycoforms (and in general proteoforms).

State-of-the-art methods may capture overall structural changes in glycosylation but do not allow us to assess if and which combination of post-translational modification may be present (e.g. Ig bearing multiple glycosylations, or combination of glycosylation with other post-translational modifications). This is because of the current lack of technology for resolving the glycosylation complexity of intact Igs beyond standard singly glycosylated IgG1 species. As a result, the study of glycoforms is mainly done at the glycan or glycopeptide level, missing crucial information on the localization and co-expression of glycoproteoforms. 

The goal of the HYPE-IMMUNe project is the development of methods, based on innovative separations coupled (HYPhEnated) to mass spectrometry to:

(i) structurally characterize Ig, resolving the proteoforms complexity of multiply glycosylated immunoglobulins, and

(ii) establishing glycoform-resolved, structure-function relationships. These advanced methods will be applied to studying antigen-specific B cell in vitro cultures aiming to describe the

(iii) regulation, and

(iv) effector functions of antibody glycoforms, opening new frontiers in elucidating their role in immunology.

This PhD position is embedded in the labs of both the the Analytical Chemistry Group at University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics at Leiden University Medical Center  where you will be supervised by dr. Andrea Gargano and dr. Elena Dominguez Vega. Together with the team, you will present the obtained research results at national and international scientific conferences, and in relevant journals.

You are expected to:
•    Perform denaturing and non-denaturing LC-MS experiments on immunoglobulin serum samples;
•    Work with low-flow separations;
•    Explore advanced column formats including separation materials with tailored chemistry and morphologies for IgGs;
•    Interpret mass spectrometry data from the analysis of intact Igs;
•    Contribute to teaching and supervising activities (including supervision of MSc and BSc students);
•    Collaborate within other international researchers;
•    Publish scientific articles and present research results at international conferences and journals;
•    Conduct research within the scope of the project leading to a dissertation and a PhD degree towards the end of the 4-year project.

Requirements

•    A recent MSc or equivalent degree in Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences with a strong analytical science component;

Your experience and profile:
•    Highly motivated and committed to research, showing a strong interest in analytical separations and their hyphenation with MS;
•    Data analysis experience (e.g. R or MATLAB) is a plus;
•    Lab experience with instrumental analytical techniques such as LC and MS;
•    Strong affinity with and motivation for lab work;
•    Good oral and written communication skills in the English language;
•    Comfortable with working both independently and in a team.

Our offer

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is a soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,770.- - € 3,539.- (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
•    232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
•    multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
•    a complete educational program for PhD students;
•    multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
•    7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
•    partly paid parental leave;
•    the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
•    a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
•    the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. 

The Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry , Computational Chemistry , Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics .

The Analytical Chemistry Group focuses on the development of new or greatly improved techniques or methods for the analysis of complex mixtures. The technical focus is on one- and two-dimensional separation methods, on hyphenation with detection and sample-preparation systems and on chemometric techniques for data handling and optimization. The application focus is on macromolecules, forensic science and a variety of other fields.

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by March 8, 2024 . You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• A curriculum vitae (please put in the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience);
• A letter of motivation (max 1 page A4).
  

We will invite potential candidates for interviews within 5 weeks after the closing date. We will recruit until the positions are filled.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.