"PhD Candidate: Chemical biology of glycopeptide-based probes"

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.