As a PhD candidate at LUMC, you will be responsible for developing analytical tools to characterize bionanoparticles (such as AAVs and VLPs) and their encapsidated  genomic material. These tools will enable you to delve deeper into the structural features of bionanoparticles with the final goal of understanding the influence of process conditions on bionanoparticle composition and eventually product efficacy. Your main tasks include:

•          Developing and appling cutting-edge analytical techniques including mass spectrometry (MS) and advanced separation techniques such as multidimensional liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis for in-depth examination of bionanoparticles.

•          Analyzing extensive datasets to gain insights into the structure and function of bionanoparticles.

•          Actively collaborating with an international network of academic and industrial partners within the CAARE project, working both at LUMC and partner locations.

Additionally, you will publish your research results in scientific journals and present at international conferences. You'll have the opportunity to mentor students during their internships and work in a multidisciplinary team of analytical and organic chemists, biologists, and clinicians within the LUMC Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics. You'll be supported by a strong network of experts and have ample opportunities for further professional development

We are looking for a proactive and driven candidate who strives for excellent performance. You work in a structured and accurate manner and communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. As a team player, you can effectively collaborate with colleagues from various disciplines. Furthermore, you have:

•          A (nearly completed) MSc in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

•          Experience with analytical techniques, preferably mass spectrometry, chromatography and hyphenated techniques, with strong technical skills.

•          Excellent command of English, both spoken and written

•          The Mobility Rule for European Doctoral Networks applies: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization (The Netherlands) for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the start of employment

Fixed-term contract: duration education.

As a PhD candidate, your salary ranges from € 3,017 to € 3,824 gross per month (scale Pro, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.

Your career at the LUMC
Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. With Future@Work, we guarantee a pleasant working environment and provide room for development. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme and reimbursement for commuting expenses. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics

You will work at LUMC, a leading academic medical center renowned for its innovative care, research, and education. Within LUMC, you'll be part of the Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics (CPM), an internationally oriented research center that develops essential analytical technology for analyzing proteins, metabolites, lipids, and glycans from biological materials such as cells and tissues. You'll work in the Proteoform Profiling group led by Dr. Elena Domínguez-Vega. This group focuses on developing and applying new mass spectrometric techniques for characterizing proteoforms of clinical and biopharmaceutical relevance. The team, consisting of various PhD candidates and postdocs, fosters a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. LUMC also offers extensive opportunities for further training and personal development.