Your function
Neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are strongly associated with pathological aggregation of the protein TDP-43. Increasing evidence indicates that early-stage oligomeric intermediates are key drivers of toxicity. However, these transient, low-abundant and heterogeneous species are extremely challenging to detect and characterize with conventional techniques.
In this project, you will develop and apply advanced native ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM‑MS) to study early aggregation intermediates of TDP‑43. In parallel, you will work with complementary biochemical, cellular, and protein‑based methods to build a comprehensive molecular understanding of how TDP‑43 aggregates and how therapeutic antibodies can modulate this process. These combined approaches allow you to characterize disease‑relevant TDP‑43 variants, including post‑translationally modified forms, and to evaluate how different interventions affect their aggregation behavior.
During your PhD, you work will involve native and structural mass spectrometry, complementary analytical chemistry methods, and protein biochemistry. You will produce TDP‑43 variants from different cellular systems and ensure their stability during sample processing. You will develop and apply native MS workflows to probe early-stages of aggregation pathways which will be complemented by cellular and imaging approaches to study later stages of aggregation. This includes examining how VectorY’s antibodies interact with oligomeric species and how these interactions shape aggregation outcomes across different biological models.
Analytical chemistry and protein biochemistry both play important roles in this project. Experience with mass spectrometry (ideally native MS, IM-MS, structural MS), protein biochemistry techniques (such as protein purification, cell culture, immunoprecipitation, or cellular imaging) are beneficial, and you will have the opportunity to further develop your expertise across these complementary areas. You will be embedded across the VU Amsterdam (Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry) and VectorY, with access to advanced ion mobility mass spectrometry instrumentation, state-of-the-art protein expression platforms, and cellular assay facilities.
The PhD position is part of the Health~Holland Industrial PhD call TARGET-43 and is embedded both at VectorY and VU Amsterdam. At VU Amsterdam, you are part of the division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, and you will join the MS-LaserLab, where you will be supervised by Prof. dr. Anouk Rijs and dr. Melissa Bärenfänger. At VectorY, you will be embedded in the Research Department, which forms the foundation of the VectorY’s proprietary and partnered programs, and supervised by dr. Rob Haselberg and dr. Wouter Pos.
Your duties
- Develop and optimize native ion mobility mass spectrometry workflows to detect and structurally characterize early‑stage TDP‑43 oligomers.
- Apply IM‑MS and complementary proteomics approaches to study post‑translationally modified variants and define how these modifications influence oligomer formation.
- Produce and purify recombinant TDP‑43 variants from multiple cellular systems and maintain sample integrity for biophysical and cellular studies.
- Perform cellular and biochemical assays, including imaging‑based aggregation analysis, to evaluate late‑stage aggregation and therapeutic antibody effects.
- Contribute to teaching and supervising activities (including supervision of BSc and MSc students) at division of BioAnalytical Chemistry (VU Amsterdam),
- Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners.
- Present research results at (inter)national conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Conduct research within the scope of the project leading to a dissertation and a PhD degree (4-year project).
Your profile
- MSc degree in Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong proficiency in analytical mass spectrometry (e.g., native MS, ion mobility MS, structural MS) and/or protein biochemistry techniques (e.g., recombinant expression, purification, immunoprecipitation, chromatography) with motivation and skills to develop expertise across both analytical and biochemical approaches.
- Motivated interest in protein aggregation mechanisms, neurodegeneration, post‑translational modifications, and/or therapeutic antibody interactions.
- Strong affinity for method development, instrumentation troubleshooting, and interdisciplinary research combining analytical and biological systems.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academia-industry environment.
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
What do we offer?
You will be appointed at VectorY Therapeutics B.V. and enrolled as a PhD student at VU Amsterdam.
The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, ranging from €3,059 gross per month (1st year), €3,546 gross per month (2nd year), €3,708 gross per month (3rd year), to €3,881 gross per month (4th year).
This is based on a full-time employment (1FTE). The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:
- A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- space for personal development
- good growth opportunities
- discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center
Additionally, VectorY offers:
- 30 days annual leave based on full-time employment (40 hours per week).
- Pension: premium free.
- Commuting allowance: Public transport fully paid. Other transport reimbursement: € 0.23 per km.
- Swapfiets Bike Plan.
About us
About the division of BioAnalytical Chemsitry (MS-LaserLab)
The Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry (BAC), within the Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and AIMMS, develops and applies cutting-edge multidimensional analytical chemistry to unravel molecular mechanisms in biological and chemical processes. BAC combines internationally recognized research with research-driven education of BSc, MSc, and PhD students, offering courses across Chemistry (joint degree with UvA), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Sciences, and Medical Natural Sciences. For research and teaching, BAC strongly collaborates with the analytical-chemistry group of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) in the Center for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA). Within the MS-LaserLab team, we develop and apply native, ion mobility mass spectrometry integrated with molecular spectroscopy and selective separations to elucidate molecular structure, interactions, and dynamics in key biological processes. Our central goal is to define how early oligomers and distinct proteoforms drive protein aggregation in neurodegeneration, guiding precise, mechanism-based therapeutic strategies.
About VectorY Therapeutics
VectorY Therapeutics B.V. is an innovative biotech company that is pioneering vectorized antibody therapies to reverse the course of neurodegenerative diseases. VectorY combines the therapeutic potential of antibodies combined with AAV based delivery to develop long-lasting therapeutic solutions for neurodegenerative diseases of high unmet medical need. Founded in August 2020, and based in the Amsterdam Science Park, VectorY is a fully integrated precision medicines company focused on the development of innovative vectorized antibody therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, FTD, and Huntington’s disease.
About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Interested
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until April 15th 2026. In your cover letter, briefly describe your motivation for pursuing this PhD position and highlight the skills, research experience, or academic background that make you a strong fit for the project.
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:
Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.
Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
