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PhD Vacancy, Chemical Proteomics and Drug Discovery Leiden Institute of Chemistry, The Netherlands
“Small molecules to retrain immunology via unique mechanisms of action”

Discipline: Medicinal Chemistry/Chemical proteomics/Cell and molecular biology

Introduction
Many of the leading causes of death in the 21st Century – including cancer, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases – are driven in part, by a dysregulated immune response.

This PhD project focuses on developing small molecules which can be used to study critical aspects of immune regulation and to provide lead compounds for drug development. Our lab specifically aims to expand the druggability of the transcription factors and epigenetic regulators that control the function of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that are widely distributed throughout the body, where they perform diverse roles in regulating the immune response and appropriate function of other tissues. However, an imbalance of macrophage subtypes, or the presence of dysfunctional macrophages, also contributes to the chronic inflammatory or immunosuppressive microenvironment associated with disease.

This PhD project will use a combination of advanced chemical proteomic platforms and synthetic chemistry to develop covalent small molecules for critical immunomodulatory transcription factors and bifunctional proximity-inducing compounds that can be used to re-train or modulate the function of these cells.

The candidate should be excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD project in which they will perform a combination of synthetic chemistry, chemical proteomics, cell and molecular biology, and immunology. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a multi-national team of PhD, MSc, and professional staff. Our lab supports diversity, access, and inclusion in all its forms. We strive to create a safe environment that supports personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and stewardship. We collaborate widely with local and international labs, and are strongly driven to translate our research into societal impacts through working together with clinicians and the drug discovery industry. More information: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/staffmembers/madeline-kavanagh#tab-1

The Candidate:
Applications are invited from outstanding graduates who meet the following criteria:

• Honors (first class) or MSc degree in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Science, or related degree
• Research experience in synthetic/medicinal chemistry, including compound design and characterization [essential]
• Research experience in cell and molecule biology, or immunology [essential]
• Prior training in mass spectrometry-based proteomics or transcription factor biology would be highly desirable but not essential as training will be provided
• Analytical thinking, data analysis, and critical problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to high quality scientific research and/or publication
• Time management and ability to work independently
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Strong team work mentality

Key responsibilities:

• Independent research including synthesis and characterization of molecules, performing cell based assays, preparing and analyzing proteomics samples.
• Participate in lab meetings, departmental work discussions, and external conferences
• Contribute to writing and publication of manuscripts and grants
• Supervise BSc and MSc internship projects
• Contribute to teaching in the department (laboratory classes)
• Complete training in transferrable and scientific skills as outlined in the Ph.D. degree criteria
• Completion of PhD thesis within 4 years.

Application Process:
This position is currently open and will be offered to the first candidate to meet criteria. The start date is between December 2024 – March 2025 (negotiable). Please email the following to Dr. Madeline Kavanagh [Assistant Professor] (m.e.kavanagh@lic.leidenuniv.nl).

• Letter of motivation, including a statement of your qualifications, relevant experience, motivation for applying, and anticipated impact of your contribution to the group
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of B.Sc. and M.Sc. (or equivalent), including grades
• Copy of M.Sc. (or equivalent) thesis or prior publications (if applicable)
• 1-2 letters of reference from former supervisors; including their position, affiliation, and contact information
• Applications must be in English

If you have questions about the research project please contact Dr. Kavanagh. If you have questions about the recruitment process or administration of the PhD position please contact Jessica van Krimpen (j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl).

Terms of Employment
The position is offered for 12 months initially, to be extended for 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. The candidate will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from €2.770,- to € 3.539,- 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?

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.

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