PhD Position in Analytical Chemistry

PhD Position in Analytical Chemistry

• Faculty:
• Faculty of Science
• Department:
• Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Hours per week:
• 36 to 40
• Application deadline:

In this PhD project, you will develop advanced analytical methodologies to unravel the structural complexity and function of glycans. Your work will drive innovations in biotherapeutics, functional foods and new diagnostic tests for diseases, while also providing insights into viral mechanisms.

Your job

You will work in an analytical laboratory equipped with advanced instrumentation, including (2D-)LC, CE, and several ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) platforms. The project aims to achieve reliable structural identification and quantification of glycans and glycopeptides in complex biological samples, including cell surfaces and tissue sections, using high-resolution (HR) IM-MS techniques. For instance, you will investigate MS fragmentation methods and utilize various glycan labeling strategies to examine their gas-phase conformations. Furthermore, you will develop calibration techniques to accurately determine collision cross-sections (CCS) for HR IM-MS platforms.

Your responsibilities include:

• Developing, optimizing, and applying analytical methods (e.g., 2D-LC-IM-MS).
• Designing experiments to characterize glycan structures in biological samples.
• Interpreting complex datasets and translating findings into biological insights.
• Collaborating with chemists, biologists, and pharmaceutical scientists.
• Sharing your results through scientific publications and presentations at (inter)national conferences.

This position offers strong opportunities to develop expertise in advanced analytical chemistry and interdisciplinary research.

Your qualities

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a background in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, or liquid chromatography who meets several or all of the following criteria:

• a Master's degree in analytical chemistry or a related field;
• knowledge of and practical experience with analytical instrumentation (e.g., LC, IM, and MS);
• strong interest in contributing to analytical method development and exploring emerging technologies;
• ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team;
• strong communication skills in English (written and spoken);

Experience with glycoscience or ion mobility spectrometry is considered a plus.

Our offer

• a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a positive assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary starting at € 3,059 in the first year and increasing annually up to €3,881 in the fourth year, based on full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science

You will join the Analytical Glycoscience team

More information

For more information, please contact Javier Sastre Torano at j.sastretorano@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your Curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

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The application deadline is 27 May 2026.