Key Skills

Job Description

Job Description Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target Vacancy number: 16930 Job type: Academic staff Contract hours min: 38 Contract hours max: 38 Location: Leiden Applying is possible up to and including: 11 November 2026 Apply now The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a: Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target Are you excited about developing cutting-edge drug modalities within an ambitious and interdisciplinary research team? In this position, you will advance an innovative drug discovery campaign against the synthetic lethality target EXO1. The work is a collaboration between the pomplunlab.com and the group of Sylvie Noordermeer at LUMC, in walking distance, allowing for high efficiency team work. What You Will Do Develop scaffold proposals for covalent and non-covalent inhibitors Optimizing novel and existing compound series for cellular testing Develop tool compounds for cellular target engagement assays Advanced candidate optimization enabling in vivo studies What You Bring We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with: A PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology Strong background in structure based drug design and organic synthesis Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or similar, is a plus A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a goal-oriented research mindset An appreciation for interdisciplinary work and a proactive collaborative attitude Excellent English communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities Where you will work 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 programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and over 6,000 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. You will work in the modern laboratories of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug research (LACDR). State of the art equipment for the project is available (organic synthesis lab, LCMS, NMR, cell culture, molecular biology lab, automated synthesizers, synthesis facilities, plate readers, biolayer interferometry, etc.). You will receive supportive supervision both for your project, the publication process and your future career. The project is also embedded in the Oncode Institute offering excellent cancer research expertise network opportunities 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 to 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 and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. 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 have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Sebastian Pomplun, [email protected]. Are You Enthusiastic About This Vacancy? We Are Looking Forward To Get To Know You. Please Submit Your Application Online Via The Blue Button Below. Please Ensure That You Upload The Following Additional Documents (all In English): Cover Letter that should contain clear statements about the motivation for the project, the mentioned selection criteria and the personal fit for the position. Curriculum vitae with publication list Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained Contact details of two references Applications should be submitted by 11 November 2026. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. Apply now Information at a Glance Faculty / Unit: The Faculty of Science Contact: Dr. Sebastian Pomplun, Associate professor Contact Email address: [email protected] What You Will Do Develop scaffold proposals for covalent and non-covalent inhibitors Optimizing novel and existing compound series for cellular testing Develop tool compounds for cellular target engagement assays Advanced candidate optimization enabling in vivo studies We Are Looking For a Highly Motivated Scientist With: A PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology Strong background in structure based drug design and organic synthesis Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or similar, is a plus A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a goal-oriented research mindset An appreciation for interdisciplinary work and a proactive collaborative attitude Excellent English communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities Where you will work 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 programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and over 6,000 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. You will work in the modern laboratories of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug research (LACDR). State of the art equipment for the project is available (organic synthesis lab, LCMS, NMR, cell culture, molecular biology lab, automated synthesizers, synthesis facilities, plate readers, biolayer interferometry, etc.). You will receive supportive supervision both for your project, the publication process and your future career. The project is also embedded in the Oncode Institute offering excellent cancer research expertise network opportunities Are You Enthusiastic About This Vacancy? We Are Looking Forward To Get To Know You. Please Submit Your Application Online Via The Blue Button Below. Please Ensure That You Upload The Following Additional Documents (all In English): Cover Letter that should contain clear statements about the motivation for the project, the mentioned selection criteria and the personal fit for the position. Curriculum vitae with publication list Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained Contact details of two references Applications should be submitted by 11 November 2026. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. Apply now Information at a Glance Faculty / Unit: The Faculty of Science Contact: Dr. Sebastian Pomplun, Associate professor Contact Email address: [email protected] Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target16930Academic staff3838Leiden11 November 2026 The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a: Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target Are you excited about developing cutting-edge drug modalities within an ambitious and interdisciplinary research team? In this position, you will advance an innovative drug discovery campaign against the synthetic lethality target EXO1. The work is a collaboration between the pomplunlab.com and the group of Sylvie Noordermeer at LUMC, in walking distance, allowing for high efficiency team work. What You Will Do Develop scaffold proposals for covalent and non-covalent inhibitors Optimizing novel and existing compound series for cellular testing Develop tool compounds for cellular target engagement assays Advanced candidate optimization enabling in vivo studies We Are Looking For a Highly Motivated Scientist With: A PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology Strong background in structure based drug design and organic synthesis Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or similar, is a plus A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a goal-oriented research mindset An appreciation for interdisciplinary work and a proactive collaborative attitude Excellent English communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities Where you will work 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 programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and over 6,000 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. You will work in the modern laboratories of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug research (LACDR). State of the art equipment for the project is available (organic synthesis lab, LCMS, NMR, cell culture, molecular biology lab, automated synthesizers, synthesis facilities, plate readers, biolayer interferometry, etc.). You will receive supportive supervision both for your project, the publication process and your future career. The project is also embedded in the Oncode Institute offering excellent cancer research expertise network opportunities Are You Enthusiastic About This Vacancy? We Are Looking Forward To Get To Know You. Please Submit Your Application Online Via The Blue Button Below. Please Ensure That You Upload The Following Additional Documents (all In English): Cover Letter that should contain clear statements about the motivation for the project, the mentioned selection criteria and the personal fit for the position. Curriculum vitae with publication list Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained Contact details of two references Applications should be submitted by 11 November 2026. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. The Faculty of ScienceDr. Sebastian Pomplun, Associate [email protected]

Core Responsibilities

Develop scaffold proposals for covalent and non-covalent EXO1 inhibitors, and optimize compound series for cellular testing. Create target-engagement tool compounds and advance candidate optimization to enable in vivo studies.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, or chemical biology, with a strong background in structure-based drug design and organic synthesis. A strong peer-reviewed publication record, scientific curiosity, creativity, goal-oriented research habits, collaborative skills, and excellent English communication are expected; experience in probe development or chemo-proteomics is an advantage.

Benefits

• Additional Holiday Allowance (8%)
• End-of-Year Bonus (8.3%)
• Training and Career Development
• Sabbatical Leave
• Flexible Individual Terms and Conditions
• Potential Tax Break for Eligible International Candidates