Two Postdoc positions in cell signalling, proteomics and glycoproteomics (1.0 FTE)

Two Postdoc positions in cell signalling, proteomics and glycoproteomics (1.0 FTE)

Job description

We are looking for two highly motivated postdoc candidates to work in the area of cell signaling, glycoproteomics, and protein mass spectrometry on the following topics:

Postdoctoral Researcher 1: (PI Maarten Altelaar, [email protected])  
Description:
In recent years we have developed new proteomics methods ranging from improved separation and enrichment methodologies to new fragmentation techniques and targeted analysis of post-translation modifications (PTMs). These improvements enable us to decipher the complexity of the human proteome, consisting of dynamic protein-protein interactions, PTMs, protein synthesis and degradation, protein complex assembly and disassembly, etc. To further advance the impact of our proteomics tools in the biological and clinical setting, this project will focus on increasing the sensitivity of existing technologies to enable the analysis of single cell populations. Furthermore, we will aim for smooth integration of the experimental workflows and data analysis with other omics technologies such as genomics and metabolomics.
For this position, we seek a highly motivated Biochemist or Analytical Chemist with proven expertise in mass spectrometry and proteomics. 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. As part of the Netherlands X-omics Initiative, you will interact and collaborate with national and international Researchers to enable the efficient integration of proteomics data and workflows with other omics technologies and enable the translation of the integrated Xomics datasets into biologically relevant information.
We are looking for a driven candidate who fits well with the following qualifications:

• experience in operating high-end LC-MS systems;
• experience with sensitive (phopsho)proteomics sample preparation protocols;
• experience in handling large data sets and statistical analysis;
• experience with mammalian cell culture (considered an advantage);
• programming skills or R-experience (considered an advantage);
• excellent spoken and written English language skills.

 

Postdoctoral researcher 2: (PI Karli Reiding, [email protected])
Postdoctoral research project in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics: Proteomics applications to study the remodeling of neutrophils in cancer and in health.
Description:
Neutrophils are highly abundant and important cells in the immune system. Yet, while most neutrophils are anti-pathogenic, a subset thereof is able to suppress T-cell activation. These so-called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) often reside in the tumor microenvironment and prevent an effective immune response. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that IgA is not only capable of directing neutrophils to attack tumor cells, but also that antibodies can significantly diminish the suppressive effects of MDSCs. However, the molecular basis of these effects remains unclear and needs to be investigated further.
The aim of this project is to develop and apply mass spectrometry (MS) technologies to characterize conventional and immunosuppressive neutrophils, to determine how these respond to immunoglobulin stimulation, and to find out how these differ within health and disease. Required techniques will include proteomics to determine protein abundances, as well as dedicated MS strategies to investigate post-translational modifications like glycosylation and phosphorylation.
For this position, we seek a highly motivated Biochemist or Analytical Chemist with experience in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and sample preparation methods. 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. Specifically, we request the following qualifications:

• experience with operating high-end LC-MS systems;
• experience with proteomics sample preparation methods;
• experience with glycoproteomics and/or phosphoproteomics (considered an advantage);
• experience with handling large data sets and statistical analysis (considered an advantage);
• programming skills or R-experience (considered an advantage);
• excellent spoken and written English language skills.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with:

• a PhD degree in the field of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or relevant fields;
• experience with high-end LC-MS and high-throughput proteomics technologies;  
• very strong written and oral communication skills in English;
• experience with handling large datasets and basic programming skills is a plus.

Offer

• a full-time gross salary that ranges between €2,790 and €4,402 per month (scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (cao));
• benefits including 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the cao for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. For example, there are agreements on professional development, leave arrangements, and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we like to encourage you to continue to grow.
More information about working at the Faculty of Science can be found here .

About the organization

These two positions correspond to two distinct projects offered by Professor Maarten Altelaar and Dr. Karli Reiding. 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 thereby allows 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.
At the Faculty of Science , there are six departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

Utrecht University is a friendly and ambitious university at the heart of an ancient city. We love to welcome new scientists to our city – a thriving cultural hub that is consistently rated as one of the world’s happiest cities. We are renowned for our innovative interdisciplinary research and our emphasis on inspirational research and excellent education. We are equally well-known for our familiar atmosphere and the can-do attitude of our people. This fundamental connection attracts Researchers, Professors and PhD candidates from all over the globe, making both the university and the Faculty of Science a vibrant international and wonderfully diverse community.

Additional information

If you have any questions regarding these positions, please contact Professor Maarten Altelaar via [email protected] or Dr. Karli Reiding, via [email protected] .
If you have a question about the application procedure, please send an email to [email protected] .

Apply

If you have the expertise and the experience to excel in this role, respond via the “Apply now” button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation indicating the project in which you are interested;
• your curriculum vitae, including your publications and/or Master's thesis;
• university certificates (including the subjects and corresponding grades);
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;
• copies of your reference letters (optional).

If this specific opportunity is not for you, but you know someone who may be interested, please forward this link to them.
Please note: Due to the current situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) the process of selection and interviews is subject to change. Initial interviews will most likely be conducted online.
Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them

The application deadline is 15/08/2021