Postodctoral researcher in analytical chemistry of casein-based nanocarriers

Do you want to explore how coreshell assemblies encapsulate and release calcium zinc iron and magnesium

The analytical chemistry group at the Van t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences in the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is looking for a talented and dedicated researcher to join a challenging project on investigating how casein phosphopeptide-based core-shell assemblies encapsulate and release multivalent micronutrients (e.g. calcium zinc iron magnesium) using advanced analytical tools.

Join our team!

We are looking for a motivated researcher to explore how casein phosphopeptides encapsulate and release essential micronutrients such as calcium zinc iron and magnesium within nano-sized coreshell assemblies. You will work in a dynamic interdisciplinary project combining experimental and computational expertise and in close collaboration with dairy industry partners and advanced analytical instrumental companies. Together we aim to unravel the molecular principles of peptidemineral ions interactions and work towards designing the next generation of protein-based nutrient delivery systems for food applications.

What you are going to do

You will investigate how multivalent mineral ions interact with casein phosphopeptides and how these interactions impact assembly stability and micronutrient release.

Your focus is on resolving peptideion interactions and their consequences for the formation stability and breakdown of nano-sized mineralprotein assemblies.

• You will establish the analytical and experimental platform.

You will isolate and purify casein phosphopeptides and develop robust reproducible protocols to generate and monitor phosphopeptidemineral assemblies under controlled conditions.

• You will systematically probe interaction-driven assembly behavior.

By varying ion type concentration and solution conditions you will quantify how these parameters affect complex formation colloidal stability and structural evolution.

• You will characterize structure stability and release behavior.

Using advanced analytical tools (AF4-MALS DLS LC-MS) you will map size distributions interaction mechanisms and micronutrient-release profiles.

• You will translate data into mechanistic understanding.

In close collaboration with a computational postdoc you will both integrate experimental and computational insights to define molecular-level design rules for protein-based nanocarriers.

This is what we ask of you

You are an enthusiastic and independent researcher with a strong analytical chemistry background and proven experience in protein separation and protein interactions studies. You thrive on innovative and challenging projects enjoy exploring new technologies and are eager to push analytical boundaries in molecular and colloidal systems.

• A PhD in Analytical Chemistry Biophysical Chemistry or a closely related discipline;
• Proven expertise in size-based separation techniques (AF4 SEC) and light-scattering analysis (MALS DLS);
• Demonstrated experience in peptide/protein characterization using AF4-MALS SEC-MALS and high-resolution mass spectrometry;
• Strong understanding of intra- and inter-molecular interactions;
• Affinity with dynamic colloidal or nanoparticle assemblies;
• Excellent data-analysis and interpretation skills and an interest in connecting experimental and computational insights;
• Fluency in English both written and spoken;
• A collaborative and proactive attitude with the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary academicindustrial environment.

What we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. An extension maybe possible based on available funding combined with adequate performance. The preferred starting date is ultimately September 1 2026.

The gross monthly salary based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience ranges between 3546 - 5538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. TheCollective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management handling stress and an online learning platform with 100 different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits take a lookhere.

Where you will work

The Analytical Chemistry group is the research cluster of the Macromolecular and Biosystems Analysis theme. Advanced spectroscopic and separation techniques and data analysis (chemometrics) are the key research objectives.

TheVan 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. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical flavor & food medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes:Analytical ChemistryComputational ChemistrySynthesis & CatalysisandMolecular Photonics.

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.

If you recognise yourself in the profile and are interested in the position we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can respond via the red button up to theend of February.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4);
• Your CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience including a list of publications;
• Contact details of at least one academic reference.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is the event of equal suitability preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position please contact:

• Alina AstefaneiAssistant professor