"PhD Candidate: Design and chemical synthesis 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 probes and inhibitors. This project will focus on the design of a panel of chemical probes to detect, characterize, and modulate mucin-hydrolase activity in bacterial secretomes and patient samples. A successful candidate will gain training in organic synthesis, chemical biology, enzyme biochemistry, 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.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the design and synthesis of new chemical probes targeting mucin-degrading proteins. Selection criteria include: M.Sc. degree in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology or equivalent; proven experience in synthetic organic chemistry; experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis and chemical glycosylation 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.

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.