PhD Candidate Position in Chemical Biology and Immuno-Metabolism, Netherlands

  •  PhD
  •  01-Jan-2026
  •   Netherlands
  • $$  Fully funded position with a salary of €2,770 – €3,539 gross/month plus benefits

Ready to shape the future of medical research? Join Leiden University as a PhD Candidate Position in Chemical Biology and Immuno-Metabolism! Conduct cutting-edge research on immune-regulating drugs while gaining hands-on experience in advanced synthesis and proteomics.

To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must hold a BSc with relevant coursework or an MSc in Chemistry, Pharmacology, or Pharmaceutical Sciences, preferably with honors. Essential experience in synthetic or medicinal chemistry involving small molecules is required, and candidates without synthesis research experience will not be considered. Additional experience in areas like chemical biology, proteomics, lipidomics, cell and molecular biology, assay development, and mammalian cell culture is highly valued.

Founded in 1575, Leiden University is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious research universities, located in the Netherlands. Known for its strong international outlook and academic excellence, the university offers a wide range of programs across sciences, humanities, law, and social sciences. With world-class research facilities and a vibrant academic community, Leiden University is dedicated to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing global challenges.

Universiteit Leiden Information

Universiteit Leiden Grants

PhD Candidate Position in Chemical Biology and Immuno-Metabolism, Netherlands Established in 1575, Universiteit Leiden (Leiden University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Leiden (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South Holland. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): The Hague. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap, Nederland (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Netherlands), Universiteit Leiden (LEI) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Universiteit Leiden (LEI) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 444 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible Countries: Applicants from all nationalities are welcome.

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: PhD position in Chemical Biology and Immuno-metabolism.

  • Admissible Criteria: Applicants must:

    • Hold a BSc (including synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, cell/molecular biology) or an MSc in Chemistry, Pharmacology, or Pharmaceutical Sciences with honors (first class).

    • Have essential experience in synthetic/medicinal chemistry (small molecule synthesis).

    • Candidates without synthesis research experience will not be considered.

    • Prioritize candidates with additional experience in chemical biology, proteomics/lipidomics, cell/molecular biology, assay development, mammalian cell culture.

    • Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.

    • Have excellent English communication skills (spoken and written).

    • Be willing to work independently and as part of a team.

Offered Benefits

  • Full-time appointment for an initial 12 months, extended up to 4 years upon satisfactory performance.

  • Salary between €2,770 and €3,539 gross/month (Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement, pay scale P).

  • Additional benefits include:

    • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus

    • Career development and training opportunities

    • Dual career support for international spouses

    • Possible tax reduction for international candidates

  • Access to advanced research facilities, including synthesis, proteomics, metabolomics, and biological models such as macrophages and organoids.

  • Opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and gain international research experience.

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted through the official Leiden University application portal.

  • Required documents include:

    • Letter of motivation

    • Curriculum vitae (CV)

    • Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc or equivalent)

    • Copy of MSc thesis or prior publications (if applicable)

    • 1–2 reference letters from former supervisors

  • Applications must be submitted in English.

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