The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) at Leiden University are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral candidate to join an ambitious, interdisciplinary research team. This position is focused on advancing an innovative drug discovery campaign against the synthetic lethality target EXO1, involving a collaboration between the Pomplun Lab and the group of Sylvie Noordermeer at LUMC.
Postdoctoral Candidate: Medicinal Chemistry/Chemical Biology for Synthetic Lethality Target
| Designation | Postdoctoral Candidate |
| Research Area | Medicinal Chemistry / Chemical Biology |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands (Bio Science Park) |
| Contract Type | Full-time (38 hours per week) |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 November 2026 |
Job Description
The successful candidate will develop cutting-edge drug modalities within a modern laboratory setting. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing scaffold proposals for both covalent and non-covalent inhibitors.
- Optimizing novel and existing compound series for cellular testing.
- Developing tool compounds for cellular target engagement assays.
- Conducting advanced candidate optimization to enable in vivo studies.
The project is embedded in the Oncode Institute, providing access to an excellent network of cancer research expertise and state-of-the-art equipment including organic synthesis labs, LCMS, NMR, and automated synthesizers.
Eligibility & Qualifications
We are looking for a scientist with the following credentials:
- PhD Degree: A PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, or chemical biology.
- Technical Skills: A strong background in structure-based drug design and organic synthesis.
- Preferred Experience: Experience in chemical biology probe development or chemo-proteomics is considered a plus.
- Research Excellence: A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Competencies: Scientific curiosity, creativity, a proactive collaborative attitude, and excellent English communication skills.
What We Offer
Leiden University provides a dynamic international environment with a focus on personal and academic development. Benefits include:
- An initial one-year appointment with the potential for extension to three years based on performance.
- A gross monthly salary ranging from €3,706 to €5,760 (pay scale 10).
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Training, career development opportunities, and potential tax breaks for international candidates.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application online via the official university portal. Please ensure you upload the following documents in English:
- A Cover Letter detailing your motivation, how you meet the selection criteria, and your fit for the position.
- A current Curriculum Vitae including a full publication list.
- Copies of obtained degree transcripts.
- Contact details for two references.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. Sebastian Pomplun at s.j.pomplun@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.
Official Application Link: Apply Here
