PhD candidate in Design and synthesis of pyrophosphate mimetics to study enzymes involved in natural ADP-ribosylation

PhD Candidate in the Design and Synthesis of Pyrophosphate Mimetics to Study Enzymes Involved in Natural ADP-Ribosylation

The Faculty of Science Leiden and Leiden Institute of Chemistry are looking for a PhD candidate in the design and synthesis of pyrophosphate mimetics to study enzymes involved in natural ADP-ribosylation.

ADP-ribosylation (ADPr) is a common but poorly understood post-translational modification of proteins, with a confirmed role in various physiological processes such as DNA repair and antiviral defense. Protein targets are enzymatically modified with ADP-ribose by ADP-ribosyltransferases of the PARP family, while ADP-ribosylhydrolases remove the ADP-ribose residue. Understanding the detailed mechanisms of such modification and demodification is vital to uncover the regulatory functions of ADP-ribosylation and to develop innovative therapies for cancer, viral infections, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases.

The goal of the proposed research is to design and synthesize a range of well-defined substrate mimics, inhibitors, and probes to target various ADP-ribosyltransferases and ADP-ribosyl hydrolases, to enable a better understanding of their catalytic mechanism, specificity, and regulatory role. The project will be carried out as a collaborative effort with researchers from the fields of chemical and structural biology of ADP-ribosylation.

Work and profile
We are looking for a candidate with a strong synthetic organic chemistry background with a keen interest in (chemical) biology and structural biology, who is a real team player and open to collaborating in an international and interdisciplinary manner.

• A Master’s degree in chemistry
• Experience in synthetic bioorganic chemistry
• Experience with the synthesis of nucleic acid derivatives, carbohydrates or phosphates is desirable
• Affinity with biological chemistry
• High motivation for interdisciplenary research
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• A strong teamwork mentality

Description of organisation and terms of employment
The position starts on 1 January, 2026. 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 €2.901,- to €3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P 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. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

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?
Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Dr. Dmitri Filippov, filippov@chem.leidenuniv.nl

For more information about the recruitment process, please contact Jessica van Krimpen
j.e.van.krimpen@lic.leidenuniv.nl