PhD position (Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher) – Mass spectrometric identification in ligand binding assays.

You will become part of a cutting edge EU-funded PhD research program on Smartphone analyzers for on-site testing of food quality and safety [FoodSmartphone]. The research team is composed of 11 PhD students in 6 different countries, two of them will be hosted by RIKILT in The Netherlands.FoodSmartphone proposes the development of smartphone-based (bio)analytical sensing and diagnostic tools, for simplified on-site pre-screening of quality and safety parameters and wireless data transfer to servers of relevant stakeholders. FoodSmartphone offers the PhD students an exciting individual research project plus an extensive programme of both mandatory and optional network-wide training events and intersectoral secondments. The scientific training in novel smartphone-based sensing technologies plus the complementary skills training provided, is expected to have a major impact on future EU monitoring practices and, moreover, pave the road for ‘Citizen Science’ approaches in food control.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate to study the coupling of ligand binding assays and high-end ambient ionization mass spectrometry. Fundamental incompatibilities have to be solved by designing smart interfaces between the binding assay platform and the mass spectrometer(s). Model systems will be adopted from FoodSmartphone partners. The research project includes active participation in four international network-wide training events, in the complementary skills training programme, and in two short term secondments at foreign project partners. The contract aims for the completion of a PhD thesis.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a recent academic MSc degree (or equivalent) in analytical chemistry, or in a similar education having a strong focus on advanced instrumental analysis. The candidate should be a result-driven team player, have good communication skills and good proficiency in English (both oral and written).

Specific requirements
• EU Marie Curie mobility criteria apply: candidates should not have resided, worked or studied in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
• EU Marie Curie ‘early stage researcher’ criteria apply: candidates should be in the first four years of their research career and not have a doctoral degree.

FoodSmartphone encourages qualified women, researchers from recent member states and researchers with a refugee status to apply as well.