Postodctoral Researcher in Analytical Chemistry of Casein-based Nanocarriers

Postodctoral Researcher in Analytical Chemistry of Casein-based Nanocarriers

UvA - University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Do you want to explore how core–shell assemblies encapsulate and release calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium?

The analytical chemistry group, at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences in the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is looking for a talented and dedicated researcher to join a challenging project on investigating how casein phosphopeptide-based core-shell assemblies encapsulate and release multivalent micronutrients (e.g., calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium) using advanced analytical tools.

Join our team!

We are looking for a motivated researcher to explore how casein phosphopeptides encapsulate and release essential micronutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium within nano-sized core–shell assemblies. You will work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary project combining experimental and computational expertise, and in close collaboration with dairy industry partners and advanced analytical instrumental companies. Together, we aim to unravel the molecular principles of peptide–mineral ions interactions and work towards designing the next generation of protein-based nutrient delivery systems for food applications.

What you are going to do

• 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.

This is what we ask of you

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.