The increasing demand of the biomedical community for potent drug carriers leads to extensive efforts being put into developing nanocarriers with high specificity and internalization rate, but up to date no actively targeted nanotransporter has advanced past clinical trials. The lack of effective and efficient nanocarriers leads to reduced cellular drug uptake, diminished drug efficacy, inconsistent dosage administration and high therapeutic cost. Nanoparticles (NPs) are used to efficiently deliver drugs into diseased cells. They are engineered from rigid or soft platforms of various shapes and sizes, and decorated with ligands to improve water solubility, avoid aggregation and ensure cell-targeting specificity. A rate limiting step in the successful transport of NPs into the target cell is the interaction with the membrane.
We are seeking for a PhD candidate who is interested to design nanoparticles that enable cellular drug delivery with high precision and minimal membrane damage. The ideal candidate is expected to unravel the interaction mechanisms between NPs and the cell membrane using coarse-grained and/or atomistic simulations. To validate the computationally proposed hypotheses collaborations with experimental groups within HIMS are foreseen. The position is available for four years.
What are you going to do:
- Design & optimize coarse-grained models for nanoparticles and membranes.
- Design ligands for nanoparticles and test their specificity.
- Predict free energy landscapes for these reactions.
- Validate the proposed NPs in collaboration with experimental groups within HIMS.
You will/tasks:
- perform research in the computational chemistry theme of the HIMS;
- be an active member of the computational chemistry theme;
- contribute to the teaching of BSc/MSc students;
- publish and present your work within the project and on international scientific platforms;
- contribute to the teaching activities of the department
What do we require:
A recent MSc degree in science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, computational science or related field.
Your experience and profile
- A strong background in chemistry, physics or computational science.
- Affinity and/or experience with molecular simulations.
- Good programming skills are preferred.
- Good communication skills in oral and written English.
- Strong initiative and good time management skills.
- Interest in collaborating with students (BSc/MSc), PhDs and postdoctoral researchers in related projects and research groups within and outside the Netherlands.
Our offer:
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on 1 Apri 2022, for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and Masters students.
Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,443 in the first year to €3,122 (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.
What else do we offer
- a function in which initiative is strongly valued
- an enthusiastic team that welcomes new members
- an inspiring academic and international environment in the heart of Amsterdam.
About us:
The Van ‘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 Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.
The Computational Chemistry Group is one of the research groups within the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced molecular simulation and multiscale modelling methodology to obtain novel and improved understanding of the behaviour of (bio)materials, and of complex (bio)chemical and physical processes that are of technological and scientific importance.
The Biocatalysis Group is part of the UvA Research Priority area in “Sustainable Chemistry” and carries out cutting-edge research at the interphase between the chemical and the biological sciences. We are active in projects involving biorefinery technology (industrial sugars), and monomers from biomass and from CO2 (the only two alternatives for fossil feedstock when making polymers).
To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
Questions:
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Ioana M. Ilie, assistant professor
- T: +31 (0)20 525 5265
Job application:
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 16 March 2022. You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications in .pdf should include:
- a curriculum vitae (including the names and contact details (email and telephone numbers) of two references);
- a letter of motivation.
We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found.
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.
No agencies please