In present-day metabolomics, advanced analytical separation techniques are used for the global profiling of (endogenous) metabolites in biological samples. A key challenge, in this context, remains the highly sensitive and reliable analysis of (endogenous) metabolites in especially volume-restricted samples.  Moreover, there is a strong need for microscale analytical tools allowing chiral metabolomics studies, as chiral endogenous metabolites, such as for example D-amino acids and some D-organic acids, are more and more recognized as potential new biomarkers for the prediction and/or diagnosis of diseases. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project is to develop microscale analytical technologies for (chiral) metabolic profiling of especially small-volume biological samples. In this project, which is part of the Vidi-research program entitled “Enabling volume-restricted metabolomics using next-generation microscale analytical tools” from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) will be considered as the main analytical platform for volume-restricted metabolomics. CE-MS method development for (chiral) metabolic profiling including utility assessment for relevant biomedical/clinical applications will be performed in collaboration with various internal and external partners.
The PhD candidate is responsible for:

• carrying out the main experiments and data analysis designed within the above-described project;
• development of new concepts/tools within the scope of the defined project;
• analyzing the generated data and preparing manuscripts based on the most important findings;
• carrying out the chiral metabolomics project in close collaboration with various partners as a pro-active team player;
• staying up-to-date on developments in her/his research field by visiting (international) scientific meetings on a regular basis and by writing review papers.

• We are looking for a highly motivated person with an excellent background in analytical chemistry, separation sciences, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, or closely related areas;
• You enjoy communicating your work verbally and in writing;
• You like working in a team, your curiosity inspires progress and you have clear scientific communication skills including a pro-active scientific approach;
• We prefer applicants with strong English language proficiency;
• A scientific presentation can be part of the interview process;
• Candidates with peer-reviewed scientific publications as an (co-)author may have an advantage in the selection procedure.

We offer a one year term position with the possibility of three-year renewal after a positive evaluation. Salary range from €2,266 to €2,897 gross per month (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.  

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a leading institute dedicate to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of 150 researchers and has organized its research and education around three divisions. This project is part of the Biomedical Microscale Analytics research group of Dr. Rawi Ramautar (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/research/research-projects/science/enabling-volume-restricted-metabolomics-using-next-generation-microscale-analytical-tools), Division of Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science