We are looking for a candidate for a fully funded PhD position in the field of multi-modal bioimaging methodologies & instrument development. This is a shared position between the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4i) Institute, embedded in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University and Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ).

JOB DESCRIPTION
The structural characterization of biomolecules and their complexes requires multiple analytical tools to capture detailed information across various levels of spatial, dynamic, and temporal organization. Highresolution structural details are often obtained using electron microscopy and crystallography-based approaches, which provide insights into the architecture of these molecules at an atomic level. Mass spectrometry-based approaches are frequently employed to obtain high-resolution, high-accuracy molecular information and lower-level structural details. The integration of these techniques is essential for a comprehensive understanding of molecular structures at different organizational levels. This holistic view is vital for unraveling the functions of biomolecules and their interactions with other molecular species or receptors, which is key to advancing fields such as drug development, biotechnology, and molecular biology.

This PhD project aims to advance methodologies and instrumentation related to sample preparation, handling, transfer, and analysis within the domains of electron microscopy and complementary techniques for the characterization of biologically relevant samples. You will be involved in the design, development, and testing phases of several innovative methodologies and technologies such as bioaffinitive charge-free sample carriers, cryogen-free cryogenic sample transfer, and live cell imaging techniques. The developed methodologies will be evaluated with complementary technologies such as mass spectrometry, light microscopy, spectroscopy, and crystallography.

Along the way, you will develop and utilize a range of advanced skills, including imaging technologies and software, analytical and imaging methodologies, biological sample preparation, vacuum technology, and electrical and mechanical engineering. Furthermore, you are expected to present your work in scientific journals and at scientific conferences which will utilize skills such as technical writing, public speaking, and study of the current scientific literature base. You will also be able to gain experience teaching and mentoring bachelor and master students.

The PhD candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Ron M. A. Heeren (M4i), Prof. Dr. Rafal DuninBorkowski (FZJ), Penghan Lu (FZJ), and Dr. Anjusha Mathew (M4i). This is a full-time, 4-year long paid position, shared between the M4i Institute at Maastricht University, Netherlands, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. The anticipated start date is early autumn 2024, but reasonable accommodation can be made for the right candidate.

REQUIREMENTS

Skills and qualifications
Required:

• A master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Analytical Science and Technology, or a related subject;
• Proficiency in English (C1 or higher);
• Lab experience with chemical or physics instrumentation;
• Capacity to quickly acquire new knowledge and master new skills;
• Interest and ability in hands-on research activities;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team;
• Problem solving skills and creativity;
• A desire and ability to share your research through oral and written communication.

Other experience / skills that would be helpful for the project:

• Transmission and scanning electron microscopy;
• Mass spectrometry;
• Spectroscopy;
• Analytical techniques and methodologies;
• Instrument control systems and software;
• Ion and electron beam optics;
• Biological sample preparation;
• Vacuum technology.

What we offer
As a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from €2770,00 in the first year and €3539,00 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

M4i Institute
M4i is a state-of-the art international institute at Maastricht University (The Netherlands) that brings together a powerful palette of innovative molecular imaging technologies. Its mission is to develop instrumentation and perform both fundamental and applied studies in molecular imaging as part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research program that attracts top researchers from across the world. The PhD will work at the Mass Spectrometry Imaging division where we develop and apply stateof-the-art mass spectrometry based molecular imaging approaches for nanomedicine and biomedical research, including mass spectrometry as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for personalized medicine in oncology, neurology and cardiovascular medicine. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a label-free molecular imaging technique for which no prior knowledge about the sample is needed. It enables the visualization of molecular distributions on solid surfaces using mass spectrometry by scanning the samples in a pixel-by-pixel manner where for each pixel a mass spectrum is generated. Visualization of molecular spatial distributions provides unique insights in many fields.

Forschungszentrum Jülich

• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work.
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fzjuelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service.

Locations:
M4i Institute, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands

Forschungszentrum Juelich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Anjusha Mathew at anjusha.mathew@maastrichtuniversity.nl or Penghan Lu at p.lu@fz-juelich.de for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate? Apply now, no later than 18 August 2024, for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, copie(s) of your tertiary degrees and the contact details of at least two references.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.