PhD position - Mass spectrometric identification in ligband 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 are 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 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 three international network-wide training events, in the complementary skills training programme, in two short term secondments at foreign project partners and in the outreach programme (including social media activities). 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 laboratory skills and 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).