The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a:

PhD candidate combinatorial drug discovery with macrocycles

Do you want to develop top edge early drug discovery platforms, embedded in a young and enthusiastic research group? With us you will combine organic synthesis, combinatorial chemistry and high throughput assays to discover hit compounds for challenging drug targets. Your work at the interface of chemistry and biology will prepare you for a competitive scientific career, both in academia and in the industry. Join our team in the https://pomplunlab.com at Leiden University!

The position is embedded in a Marie Curie Doctoral Network (https://www.mc4dd.com/ ) connecting several academic and industrial groups in the endeavor to discover macrocyclic compounds for drug discovery

Project objectives

• Generate a general synthesis and screening workflow for combinatorial macrocycle libraries (incl. tandem MS-based decoding strategy
• Establish strategies for the discovery of macrocycles with favorable druglike properties
• Prepare combinatorial high diversity libraries and discover binders to relevant therapeutic targets

Selection criteria

• MSc or equivalent in Chemical, Pharmaceutical or Life Sciences with a solid chemistry training
• Research experience with organic, medicinal, analytical, computational or bio-chemistry prior experience with macrocycles and beyond-Rule-of-5 compounds is advantageous
• Scientific interest, dedication to research, and career goal to work in drug discovery
• Appreciation for interdisciplinarity and proactive drive to collaborate across fields
• Proficiency in English, good communication skill and social competence
  

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from €2.770,- per month in the first year to €3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).

In addition, 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.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential.

Our organization
You will be working in the modern laboratories at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR). In the context of the Marie Curie Doctoral Network program you will have the opportunity to spend part of your PhD in the Heinis Lab (EPFL Lausanne) and at Astra Zeneca (Molndal, Sweden).

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 2,300 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?

Information
If you have questions about this position, please contact 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 through the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:

• Applications are written in English and include a Cover Letter indicating the motivation for the project
• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained
• Contact details of two references (ideally at least one of them with extensive EU experience)
• The inclusion of a two-page project proposal is highly encouraged and will be an evaluation benefit

Applications should be submitted as a single pdf file by 31 August 2024