The Faculty of Science Leiden and the Leiden Institute of Chemistry are looking for a PhD candidate.

PhD Candidate: Chemical biology of glycopeptide-based probes

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Bioorganic Synthesis group on a project which aims to develop innovative chemical tools to study mucin degradation. Bacterial enzymes that degrade host mucins play key roles in both health and disease. However, despite their importance in gut colonization and pathogenesis, mucin-degrading enzymes remain poorly understood due to a lack of suitable chemical tools. This project will focus on the implementation of chemical tools to detect, characterize, and modulate mucin-hydrolase activity in bacterial secretomes and patient samples.

A successful candidate will gain training in chemical biology, enzyme biochemistry, structural biology and probe development, while working in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of chemistry, microbiology, and chemical biology, with the potential to deliver new insights into mucin–microbiome interactions and novel diagnostic strategies.

Work and Profile

The successful applicant will be responsible for the design and synthesis of new chemical probes targeting mucin-degrading proteins.

Selection Criteria

• M.Sc. degree in biochemistry, structural biology, chemical biology or equivalent;
• Proven experience with protein expression and purification;
• Experience with assay design, inhibitor assessment, and structure determination is appreciated;
• Interest in chemical glycobiology;
• Proficient in English;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a team player in a multidisciplinary environment;

Description of organisation and terms of employment

The position starts by January 1st 2026. We offer a position for 1 year and upon satisfactory performance to be extended for 3 more years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 3.059,- to € 3.881,- gross per month (pay scale P).

Leiden University offers 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. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Faculty

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

University
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential. Will you become our newest colleague?

Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Dr. Zach Armstrong, Assistant Professor, z.w.b.armstrong@lic.leidenuniv.nl.
For more information about the recruitment process please contact Jessica van Krimpen-Kraaijenoord, Management/office-assistant, j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl.

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. You can apply until October 9th 2025 using the application button below.