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Postdoctoral Candidate in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology for a Synthetic Lethality Target Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full-time postdoctoral position with salary from €3,706 to €5,760 gross per month (pay scale 10), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus; initial appointment for one year, extendable to three years after positive evaluation.
Deadline
Nov 11, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
Leiden University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) on an interdisciplinary drug discovery project targeting the synthetic lethality target EXO1.
The successful candidate will work on an innovative medicinal chemistry and chemical biology campaign aimed at developing new drug modalities. The project includes designing scaffold ideas for covalent and non-covalent inhibitors, optimising new and existing compound series for cellular testing, and creating tool compounds for cellular target engagement assays. The work also includes advanced candidate optimisation to support future in vivo studies.
This position is embedded in a collaborative research environment spanning the pomplunlab.com and the group of Sylvie Noordermeer at LUMC, with close proximity enabling efficient teamwork. The postdoc will be based in the modern laboratories of LACDR at Leiden’s Bio Science Park, where state-of-the-art infrastructure supports organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, cell culture, molecular biology, and biophysical screening.
The project is also connected to the Oncode Institute, providing access to a strong cancer research expertise network. The faculty describes a dynamic international environment with broad research activity across chemistry, bio-pharmaceutical sciences, biology, and environmental sciences, offering a setting that supports both scientific progress and career development.
Funding details
Full-time postdoctoral position with salary from €3,706 to €5,760 gross per month (pay scale 10), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus; initial appointment for one year, extendable to three years after positive evaluation.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, or chemical biology. A strong background in structure-based drug design and organic synthesis is required. Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or a related area is a plus. Candidates should have a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, scientific curiosity, creativity, a goal-oriented research mindset, an appreciation of interdisciplinary work, proactive collaboration, excellent English communication skills, and strong interpersonal abilities.
How to apply
Apply online via the blue application button on the vacancy page. Upload a cover letter addressing your motivation, the selection criteria, and personal fit, together with your CV including publication list, copies of degree transcripts, and contact details of two referees. Submit the application by 11 November 2026.
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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.