Doctoral scholarship holder (thanato)metabolomics

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of (thanato)metabolomics.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of (thanato)metabolomics. The PhD project strives to investigate the potential of applying metabolomics approaches to post-mortem vitreous humour to gather complementary and more detailed information on the cause of death in a forensic context. The PhD project will be executed at the Toxicological Centre (TC), whose main competences relate to various aspects of the exposomics, such as human and environmental exposure risk assessment and monitoring, and metabolomics, where particular attention is given to the development and optimization of (bio)analytical comprehensive workflows for polar metabolites and lipidomics. We use MS-based metabolomics to elucidate toxicity mechanisms and pathways.
• The project will offer training (e.g. in analytical chemistry, bioinformatics), and the possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Toxicological Centre in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry or Biomedical Sciences  or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry (in particular separation sciences and mass spectrometry), statistics, bioinformatics and hands-on experience with mass spectrometry are an asset
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 2 years, renewable with two 2 years after positive evaluation.
• The planned start date is 1^st October 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 12^th August 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
• a motivation letter, with a clear and concrete paragraph on how you will approach this research
• your academic CV in which you link to your experience in metabolomics and analytical techniques based on chromatography and mass spectrometry
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact the promotors of this project Prof. dr. Alexander van Nuijs (vannuijs@uantwerpen.be) or Dr. Celine Gys (celine.gys@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.