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The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time postdoctoral researcher to implement analytical platforms for metabolomics/lipidomics in human matrices with the broader aim to implement these findings in exposome studies. The project will be executed at the Toxicological Centre of the University of Antwerp (TC, UA), which has extensive analytical expertise and instrumental capabilities related to human exposure assessment and human exposome. The TC has developed in-house non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics analytical platforms based on liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) and gas chromatography coupled to QTOF-MS (GC-QTOF-MS) for the analysis of different biological matrices, such as cell extracts, human and animal tissues. These established platforms need to be refined and further tailored to the analysis of human biological fluids (such as blood and urine), to ensure successful implementation in various clinical and exposomics applications. In parallel, methods for targeted metabolomics/lipidomics need to be developed and validated for groups of relevant metabolites for specific clinical conditions, to enable discovery of innovative biomarkers with predictive value. This post-doctoral position aims at implementing metabolomics/lipidomics to detect molecular fingerprints by using untargeted and targeted metabolomics and big data mining approaches in phenotypically characterized patients. The outcomes of this project would be to establish targeted and non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics platforms at UAntwerpen for human biological fluids, and to exploit their diagnostic power in clinical applications.
Position
- You will develop and optimize sample preparation procedures for biological matrices (e.g. blood and urine) to ensure a wide coverage of the metabolome in these complex matrices.
- To tailor the current non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics platforms based on LC-QTOF-MS and GC-QTOF-MS for the specific needs and characteristics of these matrices.
- To develop and validate targeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods based on LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS/MS for the specific needs and characteristics of these matrices.
- To investigate the usefulness of including additional separation dimensions, such as 2D-LC or ion mobility in the acquisition of data of higher quality.
- To refine the current data processing and metabolite annotation workflows in non-targeted approaches using vendor and open access software tools for the specific needs of the human metabolome and lipidome.
- To refine and implement QA/QC measures and criteria for data acquisition and data analysis workflows in targeted and non-targeted approaches to ensure the production of high-quality and reliable data.
- You are up to date with technical developments in the field of analytical chemistry and bio-informatics and will integrate them in your research.
- You will conduct research and publish your results to disseminate scientific insights.
- You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group both internally and externally, help to coordinate service projects, and so on.
- You will build and maintain international scientific contacts.
- You are willing to apply for external funding for yourself, such as post-doc fellowships at Marie Curie EU programs or Flanders Foundation Research (FWO).
- You are willing to help the PIs of the TC apply for external funding in the field of metabolomics and lipidomics.
- You will supervise and evaluate Master and PhD students with a view to successfully completing and defending their thesis.
Profile
- You hold a PhD in analytical chemistry, biomedical or environmental sciences, pharmaceutical sciences or a similar discipline. The preferred candidate should have an excellent track-record of peer-reviewed publications in recognized journals in the field of metabolomics/lipidomics and experience with external funding.
- You have experience and solid knowledge with the handling and use of LC-HRMS and/or GC-HRMS and the preparation of biological samples (biofluids, tissues, and/or cells) for MS-based metabolomics and lipidomics.
- You have experience in bioinformatics to process HRMS data for statistical analyses and biomarker discovery.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You possess excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
- You are available to work full-time, with high motivation, good planning, communication, and organizational skills. You also act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You can work effectively both independently and in team, as part of a multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural team; you can manage conflicting demands and meet deadlines.
What we offer
- We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of 18 months, with possibility of extension following positive evaluation.
- The planned start date is 1st October 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Scientific development opportunities in an international cooperative, interdisciplinary research environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic, international and professional team.
- Extensive state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure.
- The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 17th August 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV
- 1-2 letters of recommendation
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dr. Adrian Covaci ([email protected]).
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
