Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target

Job Description

Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target

Job requisition Id

16930

Job type

Academic staff

Contract hours min

38

Contract hours max

38

Location

Leiden

Applying is possible until

11 November 2026

Teaser Text

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

Postdoctoral candidate for medicinal chemistry/chemical biology for a synthetic lethality target

Are you excited about developing cutting-edge drug modalities within an ambitious and interdisciplinary research team? In this position, you will advance an innovative drug discovery campaign against the synthetic lethality target EXO1. The work is a collaboration between the   pomplunlab.com and the group of Sylvie Noordermeer at LUMC, in walking distance, allowing for high efficiency team work.

What you will do

• Develop scaffold proposals for covalent and non-covalent inhibitors

• Optimizing novel and existing compound series for cellular testing

• Develop tool compounds for cellular target engagement assays

• Advanced candidate optimization enabling in vivo studies

What you bring

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with

• A PhD in medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, chemical biology

• Strong background in structure based drug design and organic synthesis

• Experience in chemical biology probe development, chemo-proteomics, or similar, is a plus

• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

• Scientific curiosity, creativity, and a goal-oriented research mindset

• An appreciation for interdisciplinary work and a proactive collaborative attitude

• Excellent English communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities

Where you will work

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 programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,700 staff and over 6,000 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.

You will work in the modern laboratories of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug research (LACDR). State of the art equipment for the project is available (organic synthesis lab, LCMS, NMR, cell culture, molecular biology lab, automated synthesizers, synthesis facilities, plate readers, biolayer interferometry, etc.). You will receive supportive supervision both for your project, the publication process and your future career. The project is also embedded in the Oncode Institute offering excellent cancer research expertise network opportunities

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 to 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 and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. 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 have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Sebastian Pomplun, s.j.pomplun@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.

Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to get to know you. Please submit your application online via the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents (all in English):

• Cover Letter that should contain clear statements about the motivation for the project, the mentioned selection criteria and the personal fit for the position.

• Curriculum vitae with publication list

• Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained

• Contact details of two references

Applications should be submitted by  11 November 2026.

• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid

Information at a Glance

Faculty / Unit

The Faculty of Science

Contact with (Name + position)

Dr. Sebastian Pomplun, Associate professor

Contact Email address

s.j.pomplun@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl