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, smooth integration with other omics technologies such as genomics and metabolomics is a prerequisite.

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 X-omics datasets into biologically relevant information.

Recent illustrative work

1. Kleinpenning F, et al. (2020) Fishing for newly synthesized proteins with phosphonate-handles. Nature Communications 11(1), 3244.
2. Schmidlin T, et al. (2019) High-Throughput Assessment of Kinome-wide Activation States. Cell Systems 9(4):366-374.
3. Ressa A, et al. (2018) A System-wide Approach to Monitor Responses to Synergistic BRAF and EGFR Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. 17(10), 1892-1908.

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• experience with mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography;
• sample preparation for proteomics workflows;
• experience with cross-omics and systems biology is appreciated;
• programming skills or R-experience is appreciated;
• good spoken and written English language skills.

• location: Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands;
• a position for 4 years. We would like to fill this position as soon as possible;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from € 2,790 to € 4,402 in scale 10;
• 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 (cao).

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 yourself 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.

The research in the group focuses on the development of advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics methods to address questions in relevant biological systems. The laboratory houses an excellent infrastructure, including a dozen state-of-the-art mass spectrometers, advanced separation technologies, bioinformatics, and laboratories for cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The research group is vibrant and houses over 15 nationalities - Utrecht is a great place to be!

For this position, the work is embedded in the Netherlands X-omics Initiative and participation in local meetings, the proteomics pillar and helpdesk for this consortium is expected. The aim is to integrate developed technologies and data analysis into multi-omics workflows.

At the Faculty of Science there are 6 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.