Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in blood plasma contain clinically relevant information and can be characterized with flow cytometry. However, EVs in plasma are outnumbered by lipoproteins, thereby hampering EV characterization. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a practical approach to deplete lipoproteins from plasma.

In this project, you will investigate, develop and test

1. beads with "stealth surfaces" as a quality control for flow cytometry measurements
2. beads with "romantic surfaces" to capture lipoproteins and remove them from plasma.

The work will take place at the Amsterdam Vesicle Center, which is a collaboration between the department of Biomedical Engineering & Physics and the Laboratory of Experimental Clinical Chemistry in the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam.

In addition, the work will be done in collaboration with the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry at Wageningen University, which you will visit for a secondment of 2 to 3 months. The full project has a duration of 4 years.

The main aim is to investigate, develop and test (1) beads with "stealth surfaces" as a quality control for flow cytometry measurements, and (2) beads with "romantic surfaces" to capture lipoproteins and remove them from plasma.

To synthesize the beads, you will grow antifouling polymer brushes at the surface of coated, amine-terminated beads by adding a specific monomer and catalysts. In addition, you will characterize the beads and the surfaces with chemical spectroscopy techniques, nanoscale imaging techniques and flow cytometry.

There is plenty of room for your own initiative In the project!

• A M.Sc. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry or similar
• Experience with analytical techniques is preferred
• Soft skills: analytical mindset, creativity, communication in English, taking initiative, team-worker

• A flying start to your career in research work in a metropolis with a diverse and open culture, and a multicultural society.
• Working with motivated colleagues from all corners of the world.
• You will start with a contract for one year (12 months) in accordance with the CAO UMC 2022-2023, with the possibility of extension for another three years (36 months).
• PhD students (Onderzoeker in Opleiding) are placed in scale 21, with a fulltime gross salary. The starting salary is € 2.789,- and increases to € 3.536,- in the fourth year. The position is for 4 years.
• In addition to a good basic salary, you will receive, among other things, 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% vacation allowance. Calculate your net salary here.
• Pension via BeFrank
• Reimbursement of 75% of your public transport costs. Would you rather travel by bike? Then we have a good bicycle scheme.
• An active staff association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organize fun (sports) activities and ev

Amsterdam UMC

The Amsterdam Vesicle Center currently contains 16 members (staff, PhD students, PostDocs) working on the isolation and detection of EVs to utilize EVs as biomarkers for disease.

We are recognized as global leaders regarding isolation and detection of EVs. Work meetings and individual progress meetings take place on a weekly basis.

Starting a new job at AMR!