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.

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. 

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 8,3% 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.