PhD Position in Bacterial Packaging of Biocatalytic Nanofactories
Develop innovative synthetic cells by confining biocatalysts within lipid vesicles during bacterial expression.
Best for:Best for master's graduates in life sciences or biochemistry with strong experience in enzyme expression, purification, and molecular cloning techniques.
Overview
Leiden University invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position in the Macromolecular Biochemistry group at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, supervised by Prof. Lars Jeuken. The research focuses on optimizing and exploiting a novel technology where biocatalysts are packaged into lipid vesicles during bacterial expression to create liposome-encapsulated chemical nanofactories. The successful candidate will conduct independent research, work within a multidisciplinary team, and contribute to the rapidly advancing field of synthetic cells and biotechnology. The appointment provides a vibrant academic environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive secondary benefits under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
What you'll do
- Design, optimize, and exploit bacterial expression systems to package biocatalysts directly into lipid vesicles
- Perform cloning, expression, purification, and detailed characterization of various enzymes and biocatalysts
- Prepare and analyze lipid vesicles and liposome-encapsulated systems using advanced experimental techniques
- Investigate the structure-function relationships of enzymes to enhance cascade reaction efficiencies
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary researchers within a shared biochemical laboratory environment
- Communicate scientific findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at academic conferences
- Contribute to general lab duties and participate in scientific discussions within the Leiden Institute of Chemistry
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Life Sciences and Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good proficiency in scientific English and excellent communication skills
Instruction: English
- Hands-on experience in molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, and characterization
- Strong background in enzymology and the study of enzyme structure-function relationships
- Proven technical, experimental, and analytical skills with the ability to conduct independent research
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills suited for a multidisciplinary team environment
- Must live and be officially registered as a resident in the Netherlands upon starting, or be willing to relocate
- Preference given in cases of equal suitability to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled, and candidates with a migration background
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-27 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official university application portal by clicking the apply button. Ensure the submission includes a detailed motivation letter, a comprehensive CV, academic transcripts with course grades, and contact details for at least two references.
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Master's studies transcripts and course grades
- At least two reference letters
Contact
Lars Jeuken· Professor
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