PhD position in Translational Chemical Immunology

The Department of Chemical Biology and Immunology (CBI) of the Leiden Institute of Chemistry is looking for a PhD-candidate to study autoantigen-specific cell therapies employing synthetic chimeric autoantigen-receptors (sCAARs):

PhD position in Translational Chemical Immunology 

Antigen-specific immunotherapies offer great promise as potentially curative interventions in autoimmune conditions. We aim to push the current limit of cellular therapies towards precise cellular immunotherapy using synthetic ligands that are designed to target autoreactive B cells specific to autoantigens that cannot be cellularly expressed as CAARs. In this project, funded by the ZonMW Open Competition, synthetic chemists team up with immunologists from the Leiden University Medical Centre and computational scientists from the TU Delft to develop the next generation of synthetic CAAR cell therapy for serious autoimmune conditions. The project is a shared position between the CBI-department (Leiden University) and the haematology- and experimental rheumatology departments of the Leiden University Medical Centre and candidates are trained at both research institutes. 

We are therefore looking for a highly motivated candidate that is interested in translational chemical immunology research. The candidate will be synthesizing detectable targeting ligands for engineered immune cells and image and quantify the target cell engagement and efficiency. The project is highly multidisciplinary and involves aspects of synthetic organic chemistry as well as immunology and cell biology research. 

Work and profile

We are looking for someone with:

• a Master of Science or equivalent degree in the field of chemical biology, chemistry, or related discipline in which chemistry and biology have been combined.
• independent in performing synthetic organic chemistry. 
• experience with (immune) cells, microscopy imaging methods, and/or cell-based assays is highly preferred.
• high intrinsic motivation for multidisciplinary and translational research.
• good communication skills. The project will be a close collaboration with researchers in various disciplines. Good informal and formal research communication are therefore essential for a successful project conclusion.  

Description of organisation and terms of employment
The CBI department is a highly inter-disciplinary and inter-collaborative department, where people from different scientific backgrounds work closely together. We strongly value having a highly diverse team and work hard to create an environment where people of all ilk can flourish. We form part of the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, one of the foremost chemistry institutes in the Netherlands, where over 300 researchers study different aspects of chemistry. In this creative and vibrant research environment, the role of chemistry as it relates to biology and/or energy and sustainability are studied. 

The position starts by the 1st of January, but other start dates are negotiable. 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 €3.059,- to € 3.881,-  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?

Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Kim Bonger, professor in chemical biology, k.m.bonger@lic.leidenuniv.nl. 

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. You can apply until October 15th using the application button below.