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- 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 (j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl).
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 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
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?
If you have questions about you eligibility or other administrative questions, please contact Jessica van Krimpen (j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl), or review the graduate student webpages.
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 get to know you.