PhD position: Bacterial packaging of biocatalytic nanofactories

What you will do

With the recent rapid progress in synthetic cells, sometimes known as artificial cells, the toolbox for liposome-encapsulated biocatalyst has massively expanded, creating complex systems that can act as ‘chemical nanofactories’ for biocatalytic cascade reactions. In this PhD project, you will optimise, apply and exploit a new technology in which biocatalysts are ‘packaged’ and confined in lipid vesicles during bacterial expression, which not only massively enriches biocatalyst yields, but also creates a ready-to-go liposome-encapsulated systems.

About the project

This project is a good match if:

• you are interested in the expression, characterisation and engineering of biocatalysts.
• you like working in a multidisciplinary team.
• you are interested in contributing to the field of Synthetic Cells and biotechnology.

What you bring

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who:

• has a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
• has experience in cloning, expression, purification and characterisation of biocatalysts, and preferably also in the preparation and analysis of lipid vesicles.
• has a strong interest in structure-function relationship of enzymes, with proven excellent technical experimental and analytical skills and ability to work independently.
• has a good proficiency in (scientific) English, and excellent communication skills.
• feels comfortable working in a collaborative environment.

What we offer

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3204 - €4051 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.

Want to apply or find out more?

• In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.
• You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
• A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
• We ensure that our lecturers have a good level of English competency. Lectures who teach subjects in English have a minimum level of C1 for their English proficiency. We also believe it is important for international staff to have a good level of Dutch: they are expected to have at least C1 level of Dutch proficiency. Other staff who have the prospect of a permanent position are expected to have at least a passive understanding of Dutch.
• Leiden University expects faculty members to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO). If the new employee does not yet hold this qualification or its equivalent, they must be willing to obtain it within two years.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

Where you will work

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. Every year, Leiden University scores very well 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.

About the Faculty and Institute

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 contribute 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.

The research is embedded within the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, with its long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from a state-of-the-art electrochemistry laboratory, and excellent synthesis facilities, preparation and measurement facilities, unconventional nanofabrication equipment and experimental setups to measure ion transport will be designed supported by outstanding mechanical and electronic workshops. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.

What we value

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued, respected, and have the freedom to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research mean inclusive education and research.