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 peptide–ion interactions and their consequences for the formation, stability, and breakdown of nano-sized mineral–protein 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 phosphopeptide–mineral 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.

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 academic–industrial environment.

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 10 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 € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective 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 look here.