Postdoc in Feeding Strategies of Antarctic Mixotrophic Microalgae Exposed by Proteomics

Are you interested in how communities of microalgae in the Antarctic are affected by environmental change Do you like to develop new analysis techniques in a warm laboratory while the project team gathers samples in the polar cold If this describes you please apply to this vacancy and start your post-doctoral journey with us.

Join us!

The Antarctic seasonal sea-ice zone is rapidly changing with consequences for the key primary producers: microalgae growing in sea-ice and water. While traditionally regarded as purely photoautotrophic many of these microalgae likely also feed on other microbes or take up dissolved organic matter. Such a mixotrophic lifestyle might help them to survive the polar night and allow them an early start in the growing season long before other algae receive sufficient light to pick up growth. Additionally microalgae contribute to the production of the trace gas dimethylsulfide (DMS) that has an impact on climate via cloud formation.

What you will be doing

This position is part of the MACS project (Mixotrophic Microalgae in Antarctic Carbon and Sulfur Cycles) which comprises a team of 1 PhD student and 2 Post-Docs. We aim to understand the role of mixotrophic protists in Antarctic C- and S-cycles. Such mechanistic understanding will help predict how changing ice cover will affect microalgal growth and DMS-production in the future and whether feedbacks might be expected in a changing climate.

This position deals with proving mixotrophy through stable isotope labelling and proteomics both in the lab and on field experiments the other team members will bring back from Antarctica. Furthermore you will be in charge of developing new and improved approaches to detect mixotrophy and improve how we do environmental proteomics on Antarctic microbiological species.

You will be in the lead for all proteomics analysis for the team in the project. You will develop new methods to detect mixotrophy from multiple prey species. For this you will use all your creativity and problem solving skills to reach a great end result.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory experiments with cultured microalgae and prey to discover mixotrophy relationships.
• Conceptualize and develop new methods to study polar microorganisms using proteomics and improved stable isotope probing techniques.
• Analyze laboratory samples and environmental samples which team members bring from Rothera station to assess microalgal species feeding and protein expression using stable isotope probing and proteomic techniques.
• Publication of the results in international scientific journals.
• Presentation of the results in the department at meetings of the Netherlands Polar Program and at (international) scientific conferences.
• Supervision of BSc and/or MSc students who wish to do an internship that aligns with the project.

What were looking for

We are looking for a enthusiastic scientist who likes to mix disciplines. You are equally able to culture an prepare micro-algal samples as willing to analyse the large amounts of omics data that come from them. You like working with new technologies and want to make new protocols and techniques not just follow them.

Your experience and profile:

You have/are

• a PhD in (bio)chemistry biology or (marine) ecology and are eager to perform research related to polar ecosystems;
• demonstrable experience with culturing (micro)organisms prior experience with the culture of phototrophic organisms or microalgae would be beneficial;
• an expert in the biochemical and/or molecular biological laboratory when it comes to preparing samples for analysis;
• undaunted by the analysis of large scale data sets preferably you have experience with omics data;
• a committed researcher and have published in international refereed academic journals;
• a professional command of English both written and spoken.

It is a benefit if you additionally have experience in mass spectrometry based proteomics and stable isotope labelling techniques or a willingness to learn what you do not yet know.

What were offering you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. After satisfactory evaluation the contract will be extended with 11 months. The preferred starting date is 1 April 2026 or sooner.

The gross monthly salary based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience ranges between 3.546 5.538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile postdoctoral researcher is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 members of staff working in education research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works be it elementary particles the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdams Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical biotech chemical flavor food & agricultural and high-tech industries and revolves around 4 main themes Cell & Systems biology Neurosciences Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

The laboratory for Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules develops state of the art approaches for mass spectrometry analysis in the life sciences. We are experts in the untargeted analysis of proteomes metabolomes and lipidomes to answer questions on how living organisms interact and regulate those interactions. You will become part of a welcoming team of mass spectrometry experts who look forward to exchanging expertise and a great work atmosphere with you as we work on this project together.

If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including31 January 2026.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;

• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure(for details:national knowledge security guidelines).

If you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:

• Dr Gertjan Kramer: