"PhD Candidate in Chemical Biology and Immuno-metabolism"

Job Description

The Faculty of Science Leiden, the Leiden Institute of Chemistry and Leiden Institute of Biology are looking for a PhD candidate to pursue research on the development of drugs modulating immunometabolism. Immune dysregulation contributes to many human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic infections, and neurodegeneration. Developing drugs that restore immune function could therefore have substantial therapeutic applications. Cellular metabolism is an important mechanism regulating immune function. This PhD project will use a combination of synthetic chemistry, proteomics, and biological techniques to elucidate how specific metabolites modulate immune function and to develop synthetic small molecules that can mimic these processes.

The candidate will be trained in a variety of powerful, modern analytical techniques including chemical proteomics and metabolomics. They will have access to advanced synthesis facilities, as well as biological models, such as macrophages and organoids, to enable the rapid translation of this research. The candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team embedded within the Institutes of Chemistry and Biology at Leiden, which will maximize access to learning opportunities, local research networks, and access and facilities.

Candidate Profile

Applications are invited from outstanding graduates who meet the following criteria: BSc, including synthetic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry; Honors (first class) or MSc degree in Chemistry/Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Essential experience: Synthetic/medicinal chemistry (small molecule); Chemical biology/pharmacology; Mammalian cell culture.

Preferred experience: Cell and molecular biology/biochemistry/assay development; Proteomics/lipidomics.

Analytical thinking, data analysis, and critical problem-solving skills; Commitment to rigorous scientific standards and accurate record keeping; Time management and ability to work independently; Excellent command of written and spoken English (demonstrated through prior publications, theses, presentations); Strong teamwork mentality.

Key Responsibilities

Independent research including planning experiments, analyzing and reporting data; Participate in lab meetings, departmental work discussions, and external conferences; Contribute to writing and publication of manuscripts and grants; Supervise BSc and MSc internship projects; Contribute to teaching in the department (laboratory classes); Complete training in transferrable and scientific skills as outlined in the Ph.D. degree criteria; Completion of PhD thesis within 4 years.

Application Process

This position is currently open. The start date is between September 2025 and January 2026. Applications close September 30th. Only applications that are submitted through the application portal will be considered. Please do not email your application. Include the following: Letter of motivation, including a statement of your qualifications, relevant experience, motivation for applying, and anticipated impact of your contribution to the group; Curriculum vitae; Transcripts of B.Sc. and M.Sc. (or equivalent), including grades; Copy of M.Sc. (or equivalent) thesis or prior publications (if applicable); 1-2 letters of reference from former supervisors; including their position, affiliation, and contact information. Applications must be in English.

If you have questions about the recruitment process or administration of the PhD position please contact Jessica van Krimpen.

Description of Organisation and Terms of Employment

The position is open and will commence as soon as a suitable candidate is admitted. We offer a position for 12 months and upon satisfactory performance to be extended for three more years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from €2.770 to €3.539 gross per month, depending on experience (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.