Vacancy for highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher

For a multidisciplinary project in collaboration with the Free University of Brussels, Ghent University and the University of Liège focusing on Mining Chemical Data in Complex Samples, the ANALOG research group of the University of Liège (ULiege) is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher candidate.

The PhD position will be co-promoted by Profs. Philippe Hubert and Marianne Fillet. Prof. Hubert is currently working on risk-based strategy for the robust development and optimization of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) methods in combination with simple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) for pharmaceutical analysis as well as counterfeit or poor quality medicines. Recently, his group has initiated an innovative strategy to combine optimization and validation steps on the framework of analytical quality-by-design (AQbD) strategy allowing a systematic and scientific approach of the entire analytical method lifecycles. Prof. Marianne Fillet mainly works on the development of innovative and robust analytical methods (DoE and validation) for the separation and quantitation of (bio)pharmaceuticals in GMP environment and disease biomarkers in complex matrix (cells, tissues, biological fluids). Over the last 15 years, Fillet’s research group focuses more particularly on capillary electrophoresis, UHPLC and nano-LC hyphenation with different kinds of mass spectrometers (IT, TQ, IMS-Q-TOF).

 

Project

The postdoctoral position is related to the projects of two PhD researchers untitled “Maximal use of a priori sample knowledge to decide on optimal combinations of analytical separations” (PhD9) and “Method development strategies for mono- and multi-dimensional chromatographic methods with complex retention mechanisms” (PhD10). Key points of these research projects are:

• predict the general retention behavior of a given sample (PhD9)
• extend the strategy with a Bayesian approach to tackle the uncertainty of the model (PhD9)
• extend the strategy to combine different separation modes for complex mixture (PhD9)
• building predictive model of the sample constituents to simulate chromatograms and electropherograms for various conditions and combination of different modes (PhD10)
• extend the strategy to other emerging and orthogonal chromatographic modes (PhD10)
• test the developed predictive model on (bio-)pharmaceutical and biological samples (PhD10)

 

Profile

The candidate has a PhD in Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Statistics or Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a strong interest in analytical chemistry and computer sciences. The candidate must have a strong background in chemometrics (e.g. advanced QSRR-methods, linear solvent strength model and PEWS2-based strategy). Knowledge in analytical method validation would be an asset. The candidate is familiar with the management and experimental testing. Good algorithm programming skills would highly valuable. Candidates must be proficient in oral and written English, must have excellent communication skills, multi-tasking skills, and be team-oriented, proactive and results driven. The candidate will work with two PhD researchers and, as a member of a large research project, frequent interactions with external researchers are intended.

The position can start immediately for 4 years (2+2) period.

Interested candidates should send their CV and a motivation letter to following email address: Marianne.fillet@uliege.be , chubert@uliege.be

 

Offer

The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicine (CIRM) offers a postdoctoral position in a stimulating environment at a top European university in a well equipped, experienced and internationally oriented research unit. You will be based at Department of Pharmacy at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Campus in Liège.