Postdoctoral Researcher for innovative microfluidic platform for exosome enrichment and MS analysis

The Metabolomics & Analytics Centre at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) at Leiden University is looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher: (1.0 fte)
Postdoctoral Researcher for innovative microfluidic platform for exosome enrichment and MS analysis

The Metabolomics and Analytics Center (MAC) is seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the integration of cutting-edge microfluidics with mass spectrometry (MS) for exosome purification and metabolic profiling. This project aims to develop an innovative biotechnology platform for analyzing extracellular vesicles (EVs)—particularly exosomes—with potential applications across diagnostics, oncology, and drug development.

In previous collaboration with EXIT071, a MAC spinout, we developed a depletion zone isotachophoresis (dzITP) device for highly efficient preconcentration, separation, and filtration of biomolecules. The next phase of this work involves coupling this microfluidic technology directly to MS—leveraging the powerful synergy of dzITP with MS, the gold standard for metabolomics, to maximize insight into exosome-derived biomarkers.

This project will center on the design and implementation of a novel microfluidic transfer module, enabling automated introduction of purified fractions into the MS system. This will involve segmented flow and automation, with the goal of establishing a robust, high-throughput platform for targeted exosome analysis which can also be applied to other volume-limited samples.

This position is part of the EU-funded DRAGON project, which brings together biomedical and clinical partners from Italy and Spain to co-develop diagnostic tools for monitoring bladder cancer progression and drug resistance via EV analysis. The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), home to MAC, is internationally recognized for its expertise in metabolomics and technology development for biofluid diagnostics and industrial biotechnology.

What will you do

• Design and miniaturize a microfluidic-MS transfer module for automated metabolic analysis.
• Integrate an exosome purification microchip with MS for high-sensitivity, targeted metabolomics.
• Develop automated, high-throughput workflows for sample handling and data acquisition.
• Collaborate with EXIT071 to advance dzITP technology for diagnostic and drug discovery applications.
• Optionally mentor or collaborate with MSc and PhD students involved in the project.

Requirements

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Microfluidics, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with microfluidic systems, segmented flow, and automation.
• Interest or experience in metabolomics, mass spectrometry, and scientific programming is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English (spoken and written).

Where will you work
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. The LACDR is an international leading drug research institute. The Metabolomics & Analytics Centre (MAC) has been a pioneer in Metabolomics since early 2000, and combines advanced metabolomics technologies, innovative sample preparation and robotics, and computational and FAIR digital twinning expertise’s. MAC is involved in many academic and industrial collaborations.

What we offer
We offer a full-time position for initially one year. After positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment can be extended further for one more year. The salary ranges, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 3,546 to € 5,538 gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), plus an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Prof. dr. Thomas Hankemeier (hankemeier@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Mrs. Ina Hazejager, (s.a.hazejager@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl)