The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) at Leiden University are inviting applications from motivated and talented candidates for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioconjugation for Oncology Nanocarriers. This position focuses on the design and multigram-scale synthesis of the next generation of polymeric and nanoscale drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy.
Position Overview
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Bioconjugation, Nanomedicine, Targeted Oncology Delivery |
| Host Institution | Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Faculty of Science, Leiden University |
| Location | Leiden, The Netherlands (Leiden Bio Science Park) |
| Employment Type | Full-time (1 year initial contract with potential extension for 1 to 3 years) |
| Remuneration | €3,706 to €5,760 gross per month (Scale 10, Dutch Universities CLA) |
| Application Deadline | 15 October 2026 |
Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a crucial role in developing novel conjugation strategies to attach cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive payloads onto polymers and functional nanocarriers. The core objective of the project is ensuring chemical robustness, reproducibility, and scalability from lab scale to multigram quantities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and executing advanced bioconjugation chemistries for linking potent therapeutics to carrier systems.
- Establishing reliable, scalable reaction protocols suitable for multigram-scale preparative synthesis.
- Characterizing intermediate conjugates and final nanoformulations using cutting-edge analytical tools.
- Collaborating actively across an interdisciplinary research team comprising chemists, materials scientists, cell biologists, and pharmacologists.
- Presenting scientific results at national and international conferences and drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this postdoctoral appointment:
- Education: A completed PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline.
- Expertise: Substantial hands-on experience in bioconjugation chemistry, ideally involving cytotoxic compounds or delicate bioactive moieties.
- Synthetic Capability: Demonstrated track record in preparative synthesis and experience scaling up synthetic and conjugation workflows to gram or multigram scale.
- Soft Skills: Strong team spirit, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and fluency in written and spoken English.
- Motivation: Passion for translational research bridging fundamental synthetic chemistry with biomedical and cancer applications.
What Leiden University Offers
- A full-time contract initially for one year, extendable by one to three additional years based on mutual fit and research progress.
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,706 to €5,760 (Scale 10, Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
- Attractive benefits package including an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus, comprehensive training opportunities, and a flexible terms-of-employment model.
- Access to international relocation support, dual-career programs for spouses, and eligibility for favorable expatriate tax arrangements (such as the 30% ruling) subject to criteria.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare their application materials in English and submit them through Leiden University’s online application portal. Please make sure to upload the following documents:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting publications and synthetic chemistry expertise.
- A comprehensive Motivation Letter outlining your research experience and interest in oncology nanocarriers.
- Contact information for at least two academic referees.
For informal scientific inquiries regarding the project, you may contact Prof. Dr. Matthias Barz at m.barz@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted online before 15 October 2026.
Official Application Link
Click Here to Apply Online at Leiden University
