PhD in AI-Driven Kinase Drug Discovery (ANA-KIN)

Leiden University; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Leiden University, hosted by the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), offers a Doctoral Candidate position within the MSCA Doctoral Network ANA-KIN starting late 2026. You will develop deep-learning models for kinase drug discovery, participate in two secondments (Belgium), and contribute to an integrated, interdisciplinary research program with a strong emphasis on open science.

You will work under senior supervision, publish findings, and engage in network training, schools, and

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent in a relevant field as listed.
• Strong knowledge of ML/DL techniques (e.g. PyTorch).
• Experience with cheminformatics and/or computational chemistry (RDKit, descriptors, docking).
• Interest in structural biology and protein kinases is advantageous.
• Excellent programming skills (Python preferred).
• Excellent English writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in deep learning, AI, and cheminformatics for kinase drug discovery.
• Develop, benchmark, and share models, datasets, and dashboards openly.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational DCs and perform secondments.
• Publish and present in international journals and conferences.
• Participate in ANA-KIN training events and outreach activities.
• Contribute to educational activities.

Skills

Machine Learning

Cheminformatics

Python

Structural biology interest

Education

MSc in CS/AI/Computational Chemistry/Bioinformatics/Biopharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

RDKit

PyTorch

Job description

Leiden University, hosted by the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), offers a Doctoral Candidate position within the MSCA Doctoral Network ANA-KIN starting late 2026. You will develop deep-learning models for kinase drug discovery, participate in two secondments (Belgium), and contribute to an integrated, interdisciplinary research program with a strong emphasis on open science.

You will work under senior supervision, publish findings, and engage in network training, schools, and