PhD Position in Mass Spectrometry Imaging
PhD Position in Mass Spectrometry Imaging
You cannot apply for this job anymore (deadline was 3 Dec 2023).
Browse the current job offers or choose an item in the top navigation above.
Job description
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an exciting technique that is gaining popularity in the fields of biomedicine and medical diagnostics for its ability to chemically image tissues without the use of labels [1]. MSI produces images of the locations of biochemical compounds that can help us understand and even better diagnose diseases such as cancer. Along with the rapid growth of computer and imaging systems capable of performing ever more complicated imaging experiments, MSI has recently had several instrumental and methodological advancements that enable it to achieve higher spatial resolution [2], higher molecular information [3], and faster throughput [4] than ever before.
This PhD project aims to develop new MSI instrumentation and corresponding methods to push the boundaries of MSI information content, spatial resolution, and throughput. Multimodal forms of analysis, such as combining MSI with fluorescence microscopy and/or electron microscopy will be an important part of this PhD project. The context for the research is to produce insights, methods, and technologies using multimodal MSI to yield better biomedical information.
Along the way, many of the skills you will develop and use will include electrical engineering, ion and chemical flight modeling, use of advanced imaging technologies and software, analytical and imaging methodologies, programming (both control and data processing software), and chemometrics. Furthermore, you are expected to present your work in scientific journals and at scientific conferences which will utilize skills such as technical writing, public speaking, and study of the current scientific literature base. You will also be able to gain experience teaching and mentoring bachelor and master students.
The PhD position will be supervised by Dr. Ian Anthony and Prof. Ron Heeren. The position is a 4-year long (full-time) paid position at Maastricht University in Maastricht, Netherlands. The anticipated start date is Early Spring 2024, but reasonable accommodations can be made for the right candidate.
This PhD project aims to develop new MSI instrumentation and corresponding methods to push the boundaries of MSI information content, spatial resolution, and throughput. Multimodal forms of analysis, such as combining MSI with fluorescence microscopy and/or electron microscopy will be an important part of this PhD project. The context for the research is to produce insights, methods, and technologies using multimodal MSI to yield better biomedical information.
Along the way, many of the skills you will develop and use will include electrical engineering, ion and chemical flight modeling, use of advanced imaging technologies and software, analytical and imaging methodologies, programming (both control and data processing software), and chemometrics. Furthermore, you are expected to present your work in scientific journals and at scientific conferences which will utilize skills such as technical writing, public speaking, and study of the current scientific literature base. You will also be able to gain experience teaching and mentoring bachelor and master students.
The PhD position will be supervised by Dr. Ian Anthony and Prof. Ron Heeren. The position is a 4-year long (full-time) paid position at Maastricht University in Maastricht, Netherlands. The anticipated start date is Early Spring 2024, but reasonable accommodations can be made for the right candidate.
- McDonnell, L. A., Heeren, R. M. A. Mass Spectrom. Rev., 2007, 26 (4), 10.1002/mas.20124
- Niehaus, M. et al. Nat Methods, 2019, 16 (9), 10.1038/s41592-019-0536-2
- Bodenmiller, B. Cell Systems 2016, 2, 225-38. 10.1016/j.cels.2016.03.008
- Körber, A. et al. Anal Chem. 2022, 94 (42) 14652-8. 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02870
Specifications
- max. 38 hours per week
- €2770—€3539 per month
- Maastricht View on Google Maps
:fill(white)/logos/um-en-wide.jpg)
Maastricht University (UM)
Requirements
- A master’s degree in chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a related subject
- Proficiency in English (C1 or higher)
- Lab experience with chemical or physics instrumentation
- Capacity to quickly acquire new knowledge and master new skills
- Interest and ability in hands-on research activities
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
- Problem solving skills and creativity
- A desire and ability to share your research through oral and written communication
Other skills that would be helpful for the project:
- Mass spectrometry imaging or data processing
- Mass spectrometry instrument development, method development, or optimization
- Instrument control systems and software
- Ion beams and ion optics
- Electrical engineering
- Programming
Conditions of employment
As PhD-candidate at Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:
- Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile Promovendus, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2770,00 and €3539,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
- An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
- At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
- As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
- Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.
Employer
Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.
Click here for more information about UM.
Department
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).
FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.
