PhD position in Computational Mass Spectrometry 1202 views

This project aims at utilizing the combination HRMS and modern data processing tools to facilitate the identification of natural and anthropogenic chemicals in complex samples from environmental sciences to medicinal chemistry.

1. This project will result in an open source/access toolbox for handling such data.
2. Recent advances in analytical tools such as comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography (i.e. GCxGC and LCxLC) and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have enabled a more detailed chemical characterization of complex samples from different sources (e.g. biological and/or environmental).
3. However, these instruments produce a huge amount of data up to 5 GB per sample. These data are highly complex and the conventional data processing approaches may not be adequate to take full advantage of the recorded information in them.
4. Recent technological advances in the computational sciences, including machine learning, signal processing, and cloud computing, have facilitated the handling of such data. However, the development pace of the analytical tools, so far, has been faster than the data processing ones. Consequently, there is a clear need for further development and improvement of the data analysis tools based on the advanced statistics and signal processing techniques for the detailed chemical characterization complex samples.

Required Qualification:

1. A MSc degree in chemistry or physics;
2. good knowledge of at least one high-level programing language (i.e. python3, matlab, julia, R);
3. good communication skills in oral and written English.
4. Advance knowledge of HRMS technique as well as latest artificial intelligence methods are appreciated.

Our offer

1. A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis).
2. We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
3. The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €2,325 to €2,972 (scale P) gross per month, based on a full-time contract (38 hours a week), exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
4. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universitiesis applicable.
5. The Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS)is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven.
6. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavour & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organised into four themes: Sustainable Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Photonics.