Postdoctoral Researcher Bioconjugation for Oncology Nanocarriers

Universiteit Leiden; Leiden; Remote; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Leiden University’s Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) seek a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and bioconjugation to develop next-generation oncology nanocarriers.

You will develop new conjugation strategies for cytotoxic agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers, with emphasis on robust, reproducible, scalable chemistry.

Qualifications

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or closely related field
• Experience in bioconjugation chemistry, ideally with cytotoxic or other bioactive molecules
• Hands-on experience with preparative synthesis and scaling up conjugation reactions to gram-scale
• Enjoys working in a multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, biology, and materials science

Responsibilities

• Develop new conjugation strategies for cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers
• Focus on chemistry that is robust, reproducible, and scalable
• Scale up conjugation reactions to multigram-scale
• Collaborate closely with chemists, cell biologists, microbiologists, and materials scientists across the project

Skills

Bioconjugation chemistry

Preparative synthesis

Gram-scale scaling

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in synthetic organic chemistry

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher Bioconjugation for Oncology Nanocarriers Beschrijving van de vacature Postdoctoral Researcher Bioconjugation for Oncology Nanocarriers Vacature ID: 16892 Functie categorie: Wetenschappelijke functies Aanstellingsomvang in uren min: 38 Aanstellingsomvang in uren max: 38 Standplaats: Leiden Sluitingsdatum: 15 oktober 2026

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a:

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and bioconjugation, to help develop the next generation of oncology nanocarriers. You develop new conjugation strategies for cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers, with a strong emphasis on chemistry that is robust, reproducible, and scalable. We are specifically looking for someone with experience in preparative synthesis and scaling up conjugation reactions to gram scale.

What you will do

• Develop new conjugation strategies for cytotoxic anticancer agents and other bioactive molecules on polymers and nanocarriers
• Focus on chemistry that is robust, reproducible, and scalable
• Scale up conjugation reactions to multigram-scale
• Collaborate closely with chemists, cell biologists, microbiologists, and materials scientists across the project

What you bring

The successful candidate should meet the following selection criteria:

• You hold a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, or a closely related field
• You have strong experience in bioconjugation chemistry, ideally with cytotoxic or other bioactive molecules
• You have hands-on experience with preparative synthesis, and with scaling up conjugation reactions to gram-scale
• You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, biology, and materials science
• You are motivated by research that combines fundamental science with real world, translational impact

Where you will work

The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of approximately 150 researchers and is ideally located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in The Netherlands. 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.

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 further for one or 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. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career program. 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 would like more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Matthias Barz ( [e-mail] )

Faculteit / Eenheid: de Faculteit der Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen Contactpersoon: Prof. Dr. Matthias Barz Contact email: [e-mail]