researcher degree in biochemistry or molecular biology

le contenu du travail

Offer Description

In the framework of a research project focusing on the development of highly sensitive analytical methods for Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) in environmental (e.g. soil and water) and biomedical (e.g. blood and urine) samples, we are looking for a full-time researcher with a MSc degree in biochemistry or molecular biology.

Context

The Royal Military Academy of Belgium (RMA) is a military institution responsible for the basic academic, military and physical training of future officers and for the continuing advanced training of officers during their active career in the Belgian Defence department (https://www.rma.ac.be). It is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The Royal Military Academy is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defence department or external sources.

The successful candidate will be integrated in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory of the Belgian Defence Laboratories (DLD). The Chemical Analysis Lab is the reach back lab for Belgian Defence for offsite analysis and identification of Chemical Warfare Agents and related compounds in various sample types. The lab is ISO17025 accredited and is one of the twenty designated OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) labs. To keep up with the ever more stringent demands with regard to the analytical capabilities in this domain the research project “TRACE” should provide the necessary tools to meet future requirements.

Study

The first aim of the TRACE project is to improve detection limits for relevant target compounds in environmental samples to ppb level as from a forensic point of view these traces provide relevant information. Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MSMS), coupled with gas chromatography as well as liquid chromatography will be the preferred techniques. The Chemical Analysis lab has a performant analytical toolbox, but for TRACE it will be additionally equipped with a high end LCMS system based on orbital trapping technology, offering a maximal resolution of > 100K.

The second aim of the project is to use the experience gained for the analysis of biomedical samples (blood and urine). This is new terrain for our lab and includes the analysis of protein adducts by LCMS. Sample preparation protocols must be optimized and analytical strategies must have to be developed. Various publications have shown that Orbitrap LCMS is perfectly suitable for the analysis of the relevant peptides after digestion.

To ensure the success of this project, a researcher will strengthen our analytical team for a period of four years.

Main Tasks

The successful candidate will be, in cooperation with his/her colleagues and partners, responsible for designing, undertaking and analysing laboratory-based experiments. The laboratories where the experimental work will take place are part of the DLD facilities in Vilvoorde.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Select the relevant target compounds
• Evaluate the sensitivity of the existing procedures
• Optimize sample preparation protocols
• Optimize MS acquisition strategies
• Optimize data analysis
• Evaluate the sensitivity of the optimized procedures
• Develop a strategy for the analysis of biomedical samples resulting in a validated workflow with corresponding sample preparation protocols and analytical methods
• Set up, operate, calibrate, clean and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Write research papers, reports, reviews and summaries. The candidate will publish the relevant results in the scientific literature.
• Ensure the strict respect of quality and safety rules.
• Comply and respect the procedures concerning:
• waste management
• transport, storage, use and evacuation of biological (warfare) agents, chemicals and reagents
• purchase of goods and services
• Perform correctly and in a timely manner the different missions and tasks in collaboration with the Head of the laboratory.
  

požadavky

požadované jazykové znalosti

ENGLISH: Good

zkušenosti/kvalifikace

Technical skills

• Suitable candidates have a Master degree in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry.
• Previous experience in mass spectrometry and/or protein sample prep is a plus.
  

Personal skills

• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary research team;
• Proactive behavior and commitment;
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good coordinating skills
  

Other Skills/Assets

• Good command of the English language (speaking, writing and reading).
• Good command of Microsoft Office tools.
  

zvláštní požadavky

The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defence.