Teaser Text
The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a:
Postdoctoral candidate for the development of synthetic antibodies
Are you excited about developing cutting-edge drug modalities within an ambitious and interdisciplinary research team? In this position, you will advance an innovative drug modality at the interface between peptide therapeutics, nanomedicine and therapeutic antibodies. This highly innovative project is financed by the prestigious NWO VICI grant awarded to Prof. Matthias Barz and will be a collaboration between the Barz Lab (https://barzlab.com/) and the Pomplun lab (https://pomplunlab.com/) at Leiden University.
What you will do
Project objectives
- Discover and develop high affinity peptide binders for therapeutically relevant receptors
- Establish robust peptide discovery workflows in our lab
- Develop bioconjugation methodology for conjugating the peptides to defined nanoparticles
What you bring
We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with:
- A PhD in the field of peptide discovery
- Strong background in peptide discovery, ideally display (phage or mRNA) or generative computational design, ideally a combination of both
- Peptide synthesis experience is appreciated
- An additional computational background is appreciated
- Affinity for drug discovery
- A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a goal-oriented research mindset
- An appreciation for interdisciplinary work and a proactive collaborative attitude
- Excellent English communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities
Where you will work
Institute
You will work in the modern laboratories of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug research (LACDR). State of the art equipment for the project is available (cell/bacterial culture, molecular biology lab, automated synthesizers, synthesis facilities, plate readers, biolayer interferometry, etc.). You will receive supportive supervision both for your project, the publication process and your future career.
|
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 programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 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. 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? |
What we offer
We offer a full-time appointment of up to two years (first contract for 12 months with option to extend to two years). You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 3.546,-- to € 5.538,-- gross per month (pay scale 10, depending on experience).
Leiden University has good employment conditions. For example, there is an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance (8%), excellent training facilities, paid parental leave and the option to choose tailor-made employment conditions via a selection model. You can find all information about this at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
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.
Want to apply or find out more?
If you have questions about this position, please contact Prof. Matthias Barz m.barz@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl or Dr. Sebastian Pomplun, s.j.pomplun@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl
Applications
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to get to know you. Please submit your application online via the blue button. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents (all in English):
- Cover Letter that should contain clear statements about the motivation for the project, the mentioned selection criteria and the personal fit for the position.
- Curriculum vitae with publication list
- Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained
- Contact details of two references
Applications should be submitted by 8 May 2026.