Summary
The Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) and the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) at Leiden University are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position. The project focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of scalable graphene edge-to-edge tunneling sensors for single-molecule detection and biopolymer sequencing, combining cutting-edge physics, chemistry, and microfluidics techniques.
Designation
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher / Academic Staff
- Job Requisition ID: 16804
- Faculty/Unit: Faculty of Science (Leiden Institute of Physics & Leiden Institute of Chemistry)
Key Information Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Institution | Leiden University (Universiteit Leiden) |
| Department / Institute | Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) & Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) |
| Position Type | Full-Time Postdoctoral Position (38 hours/week) |
| Duration | Up to 2 years (1 year initial + 1 year extension upon positive evaluation) |
| Remuneration / Salary | €3,546 to €5,538 gross per month (Pay Scale 10, CAO Dutch Universities) |
| Additional Benefits | 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel reimbursement, 29+ days leave |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
Research Area
- Primary Fields: Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering.
- Specialized Topics: Nanofabrication, 2D materials (graphene), low-current device electronics, electron tunneling devices, single-molecule sensing, biopolymer sequencing, and microfluidic integration.
Location
- City & Country: Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
- Workplace: Leiden Bio Science Park, Faculty of Science, Leiden University
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degree: A PhD degree in Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, or Electrical Engineering (obtained through academic research projects).
- Research Experience: Documented expertise in nanofabrication, nanoscience, low-current electronics, or 2D materials/graphene devices. Experience with tunneling devices (particularly operating in liquids) is a strong asset.
- Publications: Track record of experimental work evidenced by co-authoring three or more publications as first author.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent command of written and spoken English (minimum C1 level proficiency).
- High level of independence, project management, and motivation for fundamental research with application perspectives.
- Strong team-working abilities in an international, interdisciplinary environment.
- Residency: Officially registered/living in the Netherlands or willing to relocate upon starting.
Scholarship & Position Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will work in a collaborative, multi-national team of PhD students, MSc researchers, and technical staff.
- Core Responsibilities:
- Design, optimize, and test graphene edge-to-edge tunneling device architectures and electronic signal readout systems.
- Integrate and test microfluidic channels with tunneling sensor devices.
- Lead scientific publications, conference presentations, and/or patent filings.
- Co-supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students working on related topics.
- Optional participation in academic teaching.
- What is Offered:
- A full-time contract (initially for 1 year, extendable to a maximum of 2 years).
- Monthly gross salary ranging from €3,546 to €5,538 (Scale 10).
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Access to state-of-the-art preparation and measurement facilities, including low-vibration lab space in the ultramicroscopy hall and specialized mechanical/electronic workshops.
- Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs and potential eligibility for the Dutch 30% tax ruling for international candidates.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Leiden University Careers Portal.
Required Application Documents (in English, PDF format):
- Cover Letter: Explaining your motivation for the project and relevant background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed academic CV including full publication list.
- Research Idea Proposal: A short 1-page description (~1,000 words) outlining a prospective new research line within this project.
- Academic Transcripts: Copies of transcripts and certificates of degrees obtained.
- PhD Thesis: A complete copy of your PhD thesis.
- References: Contact details of two academic referees.
- Contact for Inquiries: Prof. Dr. Jan van Ruitenbeek (
ruitenbeek@physics.leidenuniv.nl).
Last Date to Apply
- Deadline: September 15, 2026 (Applicants will receive a response within two weeks following the closing date).
