Postdoc Metabolomics LED-light-grown plants

Key responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in the research program of SKY High: Vertical farming, a revolution in plant production funded by Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO) perspective. The research program aims at a revolution in the production of fresh vegetable, so-called vertical farming, in which plants grow on stacked layers with LED (light-emitting diode) light. The research consortium of the research program included a multitude of universities including Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Leiden University, Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam and Wageningen University, all of which contribute to the research program with their own expertise. In this research consortium, the postdoctoral researcher will perform the metabolomics investigation of several plants, for which NMR, LC (UHPLC)-MS and GC-MS as well as isolation and identification of target compounds, aiming at uncovering LED light effect on the physiology of plants.

Selection criteria

  • PhD in life sciences (analytical chemistry and phytochemistry are preferable);
  • Knowledge of plant metabolism, phytochemistry including both primary and secondary metabolites;
  • Knowledge of basic statistics and multivariate data analysis;
  • Work experience of NMR spectroscopy and Mass spectrometry;
  • Work experience of isolation and identification of natural products;
  • Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills;
  • Strong ability to work in a team.

Our organisation
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,200 staff and almost 4,200 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

Terms and conditions 
We offer a full-time, 3 year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. Salary range from € 2.790,- to € 4.402,- gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Associate Professor, Young Hae Choi, email y.h.choi@biology.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the IBL office, email sylvius@biology.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to the IBL office at jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

  • Application letter describing the required experience for the position;
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • Contact details of two referees who may be asked for a reference letter.

Only applications received no later than September 14, 2020 can be considered.

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