Key Skills

Job Description

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a: Postdoctoral Researcher Bioconjugation for Oncology Nanocarriers We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and bioconjugation, to help develop the next generation of oncology nanocarriers. You develop new conjugation strategies for cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers, with a strong emphasis on chemistry that is robust, reproducible, and scalable. We are specifically looking for someone with experience in preparative synthesis and scaling up conjugation reactions to gram scale. What You Will Do The successful candidate will be expected to: Develop new conjugation strategies for cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers Focus on chemistry that is robust, reproducible, and scalable Scale up conjugation reactions to multigram-scale Collaborate closely with chemists, cell biologists, microbiologists, and materials scientists across the project What You Bring The successful candidate should meet the following selection criteria: You hold a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, or a closely related field You have strong experience in bioconjugation chemistry, ideally with cytotoxic or other bioactive molecules You have hands-on experience with preparative synthesis, and with scaling up conjugation reactions to gram-scale You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, biology, and materials science You are motivated by research that combines fundamental science with real world, translational impact Where you will work The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of approximately 150 researchers and is ideally located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in The Netherlands. 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. What We Offer We offer a full-time position for initially one year. After positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment can be extended further for one or three years. The salary ranges, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 3.706,- to € 5.760,- gross per month (pay scale 10 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 program. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions. What We Value Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent. Want to apply or find out more? If you would like more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Matthias Barz ([email protected]) To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number: Your CV A motivation letter 2 References Only applications before 15 October 2026 can be considered. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.

Core Responsibilities

Develop robust, reproducible, and scalable conjugation strategies for cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers, including scaling reactions to multigram quantities. Collaborate with chemists, cell biologists, microbiologists, and materials scientists on oncology nanocarrier research.

Requirements

A PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or a closely related field is required, along with strong experience in bioconjugation chemistry, ideally involving cytotoxic or other bioactive molecules. Candidates should have hands-on preparative synthesis and gram-scale conjugation scale-up experience, and be comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams on research with translational impact.

Benefits

• Additional Holiday Allowance (8%)
• End-of-Year Bonus (8.3%)
• Training and Career Development
• Flexible Employment Conditions
• Dual Career Program for International Spouses
• Potential Tax Break for International Candidates