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Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry / cell glycobiology / targeted protein degradation

Introduction

Carbohydrate metabolism is closely associated with health and many diseases and relies mainly on glycosidases and glycosyltransferases: carbohydrate processing enzymes that break and create glycosidic bonds, respectively. Controlling their activities is vital for understanding pathological processes in, and developing therapeutics for glycan- related diseases. Recently, new targeted protein degradation (TPD) technologies, which disable disease-related proteins by degradation, have opened therapeutic possibilities for proteins that are otherwise hard to inhibit. While TPD within the cytoplasm, cell membrane, and extracellular space can be achieved with current approaches, proteins in the Golgi apparatus can not be degraded by means of the current methods. SWEET DEGRADATION aims to develop strategies that allow for the first time the degradation of proteins located in the Golgi apparatus, opening ways for a new therapeutic modality. Recent contributions of our research group in the field include Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 15212-15220, Chem. Sci. 2023 14, 13581-13586 and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022 144, 14819-14827.

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University and the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), Department of Medical Biochemistry, are looking for a PhD candidate to study targeted protein degradation of Golgi resident proteins, in a healthy and friendly working environment within an international, world-class institute.

This PhD position is part of the EU-funded ERC-StG “SWEET DEGRADATION – GolgiTACs: Targeted Degradation of Golgi Apparatus Residing Carbohydrate Processing Enzymes.”

Work and profile

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in chemical biology and targeted protein degradation, and you are eager to be trained at one of the leading European institutes in chemical biology, this innovative project offers the perfect opportunity for you.

Selection criteria

• M.Sc. degree in biochemistry, cell biology , medicinal chemistry or equivalent;
• Proven experience for biochemistry, cell biology, mass spectrometry and/or targeted protein degradation;
• Interest in chemical glycobiology and drug discovery;
• Biochemical lab skills including cell culture, protein expression and purification, molecular cloning, sequencing, site-directed mutagenesis, immunohistochemistry, proteomics and flow cytometry;
• Proficient in English and Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as a team player in a multidisciplinary environment;

Description of organisation and terms of employment

The position starts from January 2025. We offer a position for initially one year 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 € 2872,- to € 3670,- 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. 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 Dr. Marta Artola (Assistant Professor at Medical Biochemistry, m.e.artola@lic.leidenuniv.nl). For more information about the recruitment process please contact Jessica van Krimpen, j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl.

Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Letter of motivation addressed to Dr. Marta Artola, including a statement why you are suited for this position
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of B.Sc and M.Sc. courses, including grades
• Two references letters from former supervisors, including names, affiliations and email addresses.

Applications must be in English and will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Educational record
• Scientific quality of the applicant’s CV
• Expected individual impact and benefit to the fellow and to the project and research team
• Previous scientific experience in the field of biochemistry and targeted protein degradation

The candidates will be evaluated on the basis of the received documents and the best 3-4 candidates will be invited for an online interview that will take place in November/December 2024.

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 24th of November using the application button below.

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