Phd Position in Translational Chemical Immunology

Vacaturenr.

15983

Functie-categorie

PhD-posities

Omvang (fte)

1,0

Extern/intern

Intern, Extern

Locatie

Leiden

Type aanstelling

Tijdelijk

Geplaatst op

11 september 2025

Sluitingsdatum

15 oktober 2025

**PhD position in Translational Chemical Immunology**

Antigen-specific immunotherapies offer great promise as potentially curative interventions in autoimmune conditions. We aim to push the current limit of cellular therapies towards precise cellular immunotherapy using synthetic ligands that are designed to target autoreactive B cells specific to autoantigens that cannot be cellularly expressed as CAARs. In this project, funded by the ZonMW Open Competition, synthetic chemists team up with immunologists from the Leiden University Medical Centre and computational scientists from the TU Delft to develop the next generation of synthetic CAAR cell therapy for serious autoimmune conditions. The project is a shared position between the CBI-department (Leiden University) and the haematology

**Work and profile**

We are looking for someone with:

- a Master of Science or equivalent degree in the field of chemical biology, chemistry, or related discipline in which chemistry and biology have been combined.
- independent in performing synthetic organic chemistry.
- experience with (immune) cells, microscopy imaging methods, and/or cell-based assays is highly preferred.
- high intrinsic motivation for multidisciplinary and translational research.
- good communication skills. The project will be a close collaboration with researchers in various disciplines. Good informal and formal research communication are therefore essential for a successful project conclusion.

**Description of organisation and terms of employment**
The CBI department is a highly inter-disciplinary and inter-collaborative department, where people from different scientific backgrounds work closely together. We strongly value having a highly diverse team and work hard to create an environment where people of all ilk can flourish. We form part of the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, one of the foremost chemistry institutes in the Netherlands, where over 300 researchers study different aspects of chemistry. In this creative and vibrant research environment, the role of chemistry as it relates to biology and/or energy and sustainability are studied.

The position starts by the 1st of January, but other start dates are negotiable. We offer a position for 12 months and upon satisfactory performance to be extended for three more years. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from €3.059;
- to € 3.881;
- gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

**Faculty**
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

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. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

**University**
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential. Will you become our newest colleague?

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