PhD Candidate in Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation

Welcome to Maastricht University! 
We are looking for a PhD candidate to work in our team on the design and development of the next-generation cryo-EM ultrapure sample preparation platform that will integrate native mass spectrometry (nMS) with cryo-EM through a cryogenic soft-landing system.

PhD Candidate Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation

• Our goal: The central goal  is to preserve and mass-select intact macromolecular assemblies (MMAs) in the gas phase within a mass spectrometer and gently deposit them onto cryo-EM grids while maintaining their higher-order structure, followed by transfer to cryo-EM for structural analysis. MMAs including protein complexes and viruses, play essential roles in biological systems. Determining their molecular structures with high resolution is critical for understanding health and disease. While single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revolutionized structural biology, current sample preparation workflows remain a major bottleneck and this project aims to change that.

• Supervision & Research Institute: You will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ron M. A. Heeren and Dr. Anjusha Mathew and positioned at the M4i-Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute embedded in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University.

What you do

The core focus of this PhD project is the design, development, characterization, and integration of a custom cryogenic soft-landing platform coupled to a mass spectrometer for cryo-EM applications. The project involves the development and optimization of key subsystems, including advanced ion optics, cryogenic module, water vapor deposition system, laser rehydration unit, and imaging detector. These components will be individually designed, constructed, tested, and optimized before being progressively integrated into a fully functional soft-landing instrument for biological applications.

The project is strongly instrumentation- and engineering focused and involves the development of a complex experimental platform combining vacuum technology, ion and charged-particle manipulation and detection, cryogenic and thermal management, mechanical and electronic system design, scientific instrumentation integration, automation, and laser optics. You will work at the innovative interface of native mass spectrometry, cryo-electron microscopy, vacuum engineering, technical physics, and molecular/structural biology.

While the primary emphasis is on instrumentation development and experiementation, you will gradually gain experience in biological macromolecules, protein complexes, and native structural biology throughout the PhD.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you. 

What you bring

We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

This role requires a strong capacity to quickly acquire new knowledge and master new skills. You enjoy hands-on research activities and are able to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team. You approach challenges with strong problem-solving skills and creativity. In addition, you are eager to share your research through both oral and written communication.

Furthermore, you bring: 

• A master’s degree in Instrumentation Physics, Chemistry, Analytical Science and Technology, or a related subject
• Proficiency in English (C1 or higher)
• Lab experience with physics/chemical/vacuum instrumentation

Other experience / skills that would be helpful for the project: 

• Vacuum technology instrumentation
• Mass spectrometry
• Ion beams and ion optics
• Laser optics
• Mechanical design and engineering
• Electronics design and engineering
• Transmission electron microscopy
• Instrument control systems and software
• Programming
• Analytical techniques and methodologies
• Biological sample preparation

What we offer 
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer: 

• A 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

M4i Institute
M4i is a state-of-the art international institute at Maastricht University (The Netherlands) that brings together a powerful palette of innovative molecular imaging technologies. Its mission is to develop instrumentation and perform both fundamental and applied studies in molecular imaging as part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research program that attracts top researchers from across the world. The PhD will work at the boundaries of mass spectrometry and electron microscopy in the nanoscopy division where we develop and apply state-of-the-art molecular imaging approaches for nanomedicine and biomedical research, including diagnostic and prognostic tools for personalized medicine in oncology, neurology and cardiovascular medicine. The institute is part of the Dutch Large Scale scientific Infrastructure and offers a plethora of advanced imaging instrumentation that are made available to regional, national and international researchers.

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Anjusha Mathew via anjusha.mathew@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The end date of the publication is 23 July 2026.

Please submit the following in your application (next to your CV and motivationletter):

• At least one reference letter
• Transcript of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees 

Interviews will be held at the beginning of August.

The anticipated start date is late summer 2026, but reasonable accommodation can be made for the right candidate.

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.