PhD position in the MSCA Doctoral Network "MobiliTraiIN" (m/f/div)

The research group "Functional Proteomics" offers a PhD position in the framework of the MSCA Doctoral Network MobiliTraIN (Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Training Network). The project aims to bring a new fundamental understanding of ion mobility-high resolution mass spectrometry (IM-HRMS), provide reference materials and guidelines for standardisation, develop state-of-the-art methods for the application of IM-HRMS in biopharmaceutical development, biological omics studies and untargeted screening of contaminants, and lay the foundations for the adoption of IM-HRMS in industry by training 13 doctoral candidates.

The laboratory of Prof. Meier-Rosar focuses on mass spectrometry-based omics technologies with the vision to translate molecular signatures into actionable clinical insight. The group is a pioneer in the integration of trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) in conventional liquid chromatography-mass spectromtry-based proteomics and lipidomics workflows.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Analyze the two-dimensional ion mobility vs. mass-to-charge data space for peptides and lipids, in particular with regards to the calibration of collision cross section values and in comparison to other types of IM-HRMS technology
• Establish an efficient and scalable sample preparation protocol to extract lipids and proteins from the very same biological sample down to a single cell
• Develop advanced "parallel accumulation - serial fragmentation" (PASEF) data acquisition methods

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• MSc or equivalent degree with a strong interest in analytical techniques and omics-scale analysis of biological specimens
• the PhD project involves ion mobility separation techniques, mass spectrometry-based proteomics and lipidomics, cell culture and handling of biological specimens, as well as the development of custom data acquisition and analysis strategies via Python. Experience in any of these domains is beneficial, but not required
• the ideal candidate demonstrates potential for scientific excellence, self-motivation, independence and strong analytical thinking
• the working language is English
• this project is carried out in strong collaboration with the following groups, and visits to their laboratories are expected during the project. A willingness to travel and spend time abroad is therefore essential. (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, R&D, Bremen, Germany / Prof. Perdita Barran, University of Manchester, UK / Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, R&D, Beerse, Belgium)

Specific Eligibility Criteria of the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie programme apply, including the mobility rule and the PhD rule:

• Mobility rule: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, study) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date (i.e., start of employment).
• PhD rule: Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e., must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

Recruited researchers will be part of the MobiliTraIN doctoral programme. MobiliTraIN offers:

• a thorough scientific education in the frame of a doctoral training programme
• the possibility to participate in specific international training courses, workshops and conferences
• a strong involvement in a European research project with high international visibility.
• the possibility to perform research visits to internationally renowned research laboratories in Europe
• a prestigious three-year MSCA Fellowship

Reference number: DM12/2024

* Limited to 36 months

Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. We specifically encourage researchers with family obligations and/or special needs to apply.

Selection process: We will adopt the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, promoting open, merit-based and transparent recruitment and attractive working and employment conditions. The main supervisor will make a pre-selection of eligible candidates for the open position. Ineligible and incomplete applications will not be considered. The pre-selected candidates will be invited to an online interview with at least one additional member of the personal supervisory team.

**The salary range stated is subject to fulfilment of the personal and pay scale requirements and corresponds to the classification of a full-time employee.