Understanding the intricate 3-dimensional structures of macromolecules such as protein complexes and viruses is essential to elucidate their biological activities. To this end M4I is searching for a talented PhD student to undertake an ambitious and multidisciplinary project with the potential to revolutionize the 3-dimensional structural analysis of macromolecules. The project is funded by the NWO domain TTW (Applied and Engineering Sciences) and is in collaboration with Utrecht University, a leading mass spectrometry manufacturer and a small SME (Amsterdam Scientific Instruments). The ultimate goal is to design, develop and construct a new instrument concept employing ultraviolet photodissociation, state-of-the-art ion detector technologies and time-of-flight mass spectrometry to enable 3-dimensional reconstructions of individual macromolecules. Specifically, the PhD student will be tasked with the initial design and construction of the instrument and its eventual application to studying macromolecules. The student should have some prior experience with instrument development, ion optics, lasers and preferably (but not essentially) a background in mass spectrometry or other advanced analytical instrumentation. Prior experience in instrument control programming and/or ion optical simulations is a plus. 

The successful candidate will be expected to learn and apply new concepts quickly and drive the collaborative effort towards the realization of the project goals. 

The candidate should be highly motivated, ambitious, open minded towards new technologies and scientific risk as well as possess a willingness to take initiatives. They should also be open-minded towards the developing and testing of out-of-the-box ideas. Applicants should be fluent in both written and spoken English. Prior experience in the some/all of the following is highly desirable: mass spectrometry, physical/analytical chemistry, physics or engineering

The candidate should be highly motivated, ambitious, open minded towards new technologies and scientific risk as well as a willingness to take initiates to achieve outcomes. They should also be open minded towards developmental and testing of out-of-the-box ideas. You should be fluent in both written and spoken English. Prior experience in the some/all of the following is highly desirable: mass spectrometry, physical/analytical chemistry, physics or engineering

 You must meet the qualifications to enter the Maastricht University PhD program. A MSc degree in analytical/physical chemistry, physics or engineering provides a background that matches well with the project’s subject.  

Candidates are expected to start as soon as possible but prior to May 1st 2018.

Fixed-term contract: 1+3 years.

PhD candidate salary is € 2.222 gross per month for a full-time position. A PhD appointment lasts four years if a mandatory first year evaluation is passed (first year + three years after receiving a positive evaluation).

In addition, PhD candidates receive a holiday bonus equal to 8% of their salary plus an 8.3% year-end allowance. Non-Dutch applicants could be eligible for favorable tax benefits (30% tax rule).

We offer you a stimulating scientific environment with excellent facilities for professional and personal development.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,500 students and 4,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

M4I is a state-of-the art molecular imaging institute that brings together a powerful palette of high-end, innovative molecular imaging technologies. The mission of the institute is to perform fundamental, instrumentation and applied studies in molecular imaging as a part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research program in a leading international center relevant for science, education, economy and society. The institute is embedded in the faculty of health, medicine and life sciences of the UM and operates in close collaboration with the pathology and general surgery department of the Maastricht University Medical Centre. The Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry of M4I consists of around 30 persons, i.e. researchers and service staff, and is host to interns and visiting scholars. The research group is one of the world leaders in high resolution molecular imaging of biological surfaces, and targets the development and application of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry based molecular imaging infrastructure for nanomedicine and biomedical research.