Leiden University
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PhD Position in Bacterial Packaging of Biocatalytic Nanofactories and Synthetic Cells Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
This is a salaried, full-time PhD employment position under the CLA of Dutch Universities. The initial employment contract is for one year with a view to permanent employment. The gross monthly salary is €3,204–€4,051 for 38 hours per week. Benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, an ABP pension scheme, reimbursement of public-transport commuting costs, leave entitlement, possible hybrid-work and home-working allowances, and provision of a laptop and mobile telephone.
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
Leiden University in Leiden, The Netherlands, invites applications for a full-time PhD position on Bacterial Packaging of Biocatalytic Nanofactories. The project is embedded in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry and the Macromolecular Biochemistry group within the Faculty of Science, in the laboratory of Prof. Lars Jeuken.
The research will develop and exploit a technology for packaging biocatalysts inside lipid vesicles during bacterial expression. The resulting liposome-encapsulated systems will function as chemical nanofactories for biocatalytic cascade reactions. The PhD researcher will optimize, apply, and investigate this approach, contributing to synthetic-cell research and biotechnology.
The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field. Experience with cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of biocatalysts is required; experience with lipid-vesicle preparation and analysis is advantageous. Applicants should be interested in enzyme structure-function relationships and demonstrate strong experimental, analytical, communication, English-language, independent-working, and collaborative skills.
The position offers a one-year employment contract with a view to permanent employment, a gross monthly salary of €3,204–€4,051, and Dutch university employment benefits including holiday and end-of-year allowances, pension, commuting reimbursement, and leave benefits. Applications must include a motivation letter, extensive CV, Master’s courses and grades, and contact details for at least two references. The deadline is 27 November 2026.
Funding details
This is a salaried, full-time PhD employment position under the CLA of Dutch Universities. The initial employment contract is for one year with a view to permanent employment. The gross monthly salary is €3,204–€4,051 for 38 hours per week. Benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, an ABP pension scheme, reimbursement of public-transport commuting costs, leave entitlement, possible hybrid-work and home-working allowances, and provision of a laptop and mobile telephone.
What's required
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline. Candidates should have experience in cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of biocatalysts; experience preparing and analyzing lipid vesicles is preferred. A strong interest in enzyme structure-function relationships, excellent technical experimental and analytical skills, the ability to work independently, good proficiency in scientific English, excellent communication skills, and comfort working in a collaborative environment are required. Applicants must live and be officially registered in the Netherlands or be willing to relocate. A pre-employment screening may include references, diplomas, and a certificate of good conduct.
How to apply
Apply through the vacancy page’s “Apply now” button by 27 November 2026. Submit a motivation letter, extensive CV, Master’s courses and grades, and the names and contact details of at least two references.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.