Applications are invited for a four-year PhD position on an exciting PhD project in circadian regulation of biofilm development.
Project description
We are hiring a PhD candidate to join our ERC-funded team on chronomicrobiology, a new field that bridges microbiology and chronobiology. The MicroClock program follows up on our novel discovery of a circadian clock in Bacillus subtilis. This PhD opportunity focuses on discovering spatio-temporal gene expression in Bacillus subtilis biofilms. The PhD candidate will employ molecular biology tools, optogenetics and microscopy to follow circadian gene expression during biofilm formation. This work will be carried out in collaboration with our consortium partners at the LMU Munich and John Innes Centre. The PhD candidate will learn chronobiological principles and related research methods. They will be a key part of discovering spatial aspects of a circadian system via this interdisciplinary, innovative project, embedded in a productive, scientific environment with a good work-life balance.
Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science 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 bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 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.
For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at
Institute of Biology, Leiden University
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture, and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented, and inclusive place to work and study. For more information about IBL see: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/biology.
Selection Criteria
The Faculty of Science Leiden/Institute of Biology is looking for a candidate with a solid background in microbial optogenetics and biofilms, specifically concentrating on molecular microbiology of bacteria, preferably with experience on the following:
- genetic engineering of model bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis
- fluorescence microscopy
- interest in chronobiology (circadian biology)
- ability to work in a highly collaborative (international) project and able to undertake international travel
- background on microbial ecology and evolutionary theory is advantageous
Terms of employment
We offer a 1-year position with the possibility of extension to 4 years based on performance and following the pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 2.901,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.707,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (38 hours).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. 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 breakFor more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Applications
Applications for this vacancy can only be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- A letter of motivation describing research interests and demonstrating fit with the project (max. 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- Relevant certificates (e.g. degree certificate)
- Contact information for two referees.
Only applications received before 12 June 2026 can be considered.
-
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid