We are looking for a motivated PhD student with strong background on metabolism and metabolomics, to develop research within the EU project RISK-HUNT3R (RISK assessment of chemicals integrating Human centric Next generation Testing strategies promoting the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal-based models).


Your duties

• Develop metabolomics (based on liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, LC-MS) approaches to monitor and quantify cellular metabolites
• Implement strategies to unravel phase I and II metabolites of toxic compounds in cultured human cell models
• Study the effect of toxic compounds on mitochondrial function
• Interpret and integrate metabolism readouts with functional assays
• Contribute to data integration (omics, pharmacokinetics/dynamics) for risk assessment
• Conduct research within the scope of the project leading to a dissertation
• Publish scientific articles and present research results at conferences
• Supervision of MSc and BSc students
• Collaborate within the team and with other international researchers

• Master degree in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, (Molecular-oriented) Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology or a related discipline
• Strong background in metabolism, metabolomics, metabolic biochemistry and pathway analysis
• Previous experience with handling model organisms, such as mammalian cell culture, and/or mass spectrometry techniques will be considered as important asset(s)
• Skills/experience in programming, data science and/or computer modelling would be a plus
• Strong communication, organizational and social skills
• Fluent in speaking and writing English
• Team player with the ability to work independently
• Strong motivation for scientific research

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,395 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 years. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus 
• solid pension scheme (ABP) 
• contribution to commuting expenses 
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
 
Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology

At the division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology section, dept of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical  Sciences research is carried out to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of drugs and other chemicals. Using innovative cellular model systems, state-of-the-art metabolomics approaches and computer simulation methods, the mechanism by which chemicals can cause adverse effects are investigated. The section is also involved in education within of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Medical Natural Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences.