The PhD candidate at the TU Delft will establish a proteomics platform for analysing post-translational protein modification networks in microbial cell factories. The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation, including the latest bioinformatics tools. Initial large-scale screening will channel into quantitative monitoring of enzymes from central metabolic pathways. Large-scale MS data will be integrated into other omics data such as metabolomics for further correlation with cell performance to determine the regulatory potential of a broad range of protein modifications in microbial cell factories. During the progress of this project, the candidate is expected to further develop methods for identification and quantification of post-translational modifications using mass spectrometry.

The protein analytics group at the TU Delft is looking for a highly motivated, technically skilled, and very ambitious PhD candidate with a strong background and experience in biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related chemical science. Preferably, the candidate also has good experience in chromatography, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and related computational approaches. The candidate must be eager to work in a multidisciplinary and dynamic setting with a focus on applied research in the field of microbial protein mass spectrometry. The position will be for a term of four years and is expected to result in a PhD. Good communication skills in English are required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers child care and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Martin Pabst, phone: +31 (0)15-2786369, e-mail: m.pabst@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application and 2 names of references by 31 January 2018 to Jenifer Baptiste, j.baptiste@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWBT17-074.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (the TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. The TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At the TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. The TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

http://www.tudelft.nl

Applied Sciences

Innovation is crucial to fulfil the potential of industrial biotechnology for sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, materials, food, and feed. Similarly, scientific and technological advances in environmental biotechnology are needed to enable novel approaches to water purification, and ‘waste-to-product’ processes, thus contributing to a circular economy. Increased fundamental knowledge encompassing enzymes, micro-organisms, and processes is essential for progress in this field.
The Department of Biotechnology covers this research area and, based on new insights, selects, designs, and tests new biobased catalysts, micro-organisms, and processes.

The Protein MS research group is a highly dynamic team located within the Cell Systems Engineering section of the Department of Biotechnology at the TU Delft. The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art LC and high-resolution MS equipment. The group performs research on novel methods for protein characterisation, quantification, and analysis of post-translational protein modifications, with a strong focus on microbial cell systems.