PhD fellowship Program in Chemistry in Development and Application of novel Proteomics methods Project @ Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO)

Description: The Flemish institute for technological research. CFP incorporates academic research based on mass spectrometry and related techniques, as well as applications in a wide range of areas including structural biology, post translational modifications, quantitative proteomics, biomarker research, metabolomics, and data handling which address questions in human and plant biology.

• You will be in charge of developing and applying novel proteomics approaches based on ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) on two state-of-the-art platforms, a Waters Synapt G2 with ETD and a Thermo Orbitrap Velos with FAIMS and ETD.
• You will characterise and compare the performance of these techniques in electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, using test proteins and other samples and including charge-shifting reagents.
• The emphasis of your research will be on three aspects in particular:
• Top-down’ approaches with undigested molecules, e.g. intact proteins or other biomolecules (glycans, lipids) and their complexes;
• Assessing the performance of IMS and ETD as a separation and classification approach in high-throughput methods;
• The characterisation of glycosylated proteins, i.e. glycopeptides and glycan structures.
• You will have an interest in developing new methods for data analysis, specifically for ETD fragmentation spectra, and for the interpretation of ion mobility using modelling approaches.
• You will closely interact and collaborate internationally with other scientists, particularly biologists, and with the instrument manufacturers.
• You will explore how novel proteomics approaches can contribute to our understanding of biomolecular structure, assembly and function.

Requirements:

• You have a masters or an equivalent degree in a scientific subject (e.g. chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics), or in engineering.
• This project would be particularly well suited for a physical chemist looking to work on novel biological applications, or a biochemist seeking to train in modern analytical techniques.
• Ideally you will have prior experience with mass spectrometry and/or proteomics, or other (bio-) physical methods.
• You have experience, or are willing to learn, basic sample preparation and handling techniques. A background in biochemistry is a bonus.
• You are skilled in using scientific equipment, and you have the ability to use the complex software underlying the processing of mass spectrometry data. Experience with modelling molecular structures is an asset.
• Additional training or background in the design or modification of complex scientific equipment is a bonus.
• You have excellent communication and writing skills in English; you can swiftly integrate in international laboratories and can clearly communicate scientific results to co-workers and other scientists from different disciplines.

Details:

• A key position in an exciting multidisciplinary research initiative, pursuing the implementation of innovative instrumental approaches for the characterisation of biological systems.
• The chance to use a wide range of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment, in collaboration with the instrument manufacturers
• A full-time position for 4 years. Start date: from March 2011 or later.
• A salary set according to the pay scales of VITO and the Flemish universities depending on relevant experience and level of education.
• Reimbursement of public transport costs, bicycle compensation, private pension scheme (after two years) and luncheon vouchers.

For more details Email to:  dirk.valkenborg@vito.be

Deadline- 15 Febuarary, 2010