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Postdoctoral Candidate in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology for Synthetic Lethality Target EXO1 Leiden University in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full-time salaried postdoctoral employment, initially for one year, with possible extension to three years following a positive evaluation. Salary is €3,706–€5,760 gross per month depending on qualifications and experience, under pay scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, training and career development, sabbatical leave, flexible employment conditions, and possible eligibility for a substantial tax
Deadline
Nov 11, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Leiden University
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About this position
Leiden University is recruiting a full-time postdoctoral candidate in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology to advance a drug discovery campaign against the synthetic lethality target EXO1. The project is a collaboration between the Pomplun Lab and Sylvie Noordermeer’s group at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), based in Leiden, Netherlands.
The successful researcher will develop scaffold proposals for covalent and non-covalent inhibitors, optimize novel and existing compound series for cellular testing, create tool compounds for cellular target-engagement assays, and conduct advanced candidate optimization to enable in vivo studies. The work combines medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, structure-based drug design, chemical biology, and cancer drug discovery.
Applicants should hold a PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology, or a related discipline, with strong experience in structure-based drug design and organic synthesis. Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or related techniques is desirable. A strong publication record, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and excellent English communication skills are expected.
The position is located in the modern laboratories of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, with access to organic synthesis, LCMS, NMR, cell culture, molecular biology, automated synthesis, plate-reader, and biolayer interferometry facilities. The project is also embedded in the Oncode Institute cancer research network.
The appointment is initially for one year and may be extended to three years after positive evaluation. The salary is €3,706–€5,760 gross per month, with Dutch university employment benefits, including holiday and end-of-year bonuses. Applications must be submitted online by 11 November 2026.
Funding details
Full-time salaried postdoctoral employment, initially for one year, with possible extension to three years following a positive evaluation. Salary is €3,706–€5,760 gross per month depending on qualifications and experience, under pay scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Benefits include an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, training and career development, sabbatical leave, flexible employment conditions, and possible eligibility for a substantial tax
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology, or a closely related field. A strong background in structure-based drug design and organic synthesis is required. Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or similar areas is advantageous. Applicants should have a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, scientific curiosity, creativity, a goal-oriented research mindset, appreciation for interdisciplinary work, a proactive collaborative attitude, excellent English communication skills, and strong interpersonal abilities. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae with publication list, copies of degree transcripts, and contact details for two references.
How to apply
Submit the application online through the vacancy page’s Apply now button by 11 November 2026. Upload an English cover letter, CV with publication list, degree transcripts, and contact details for two references.
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Professors
Associate Professor
Netherlands
Research Interests
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pharmacy
Chemical Biology
Chemistry
Biology
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Prepare your application
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