Postdoctoral candidate for the development of synthetic …, Leiden

Postdoctoral candidate for the development of synthetic antibodies Job Description Vacancy number: 16511 Job type: Academic staff Contract hours min: 38 Contract hours max: 38 Location: Leiden Applying is possible until: 31 mei 2026 Apply now

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a: Postdoctoral candidate for the development of synthetic antibodies

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 modality at the interface between peptide therapeutics, nanomedicine and therapeutic antibodies. This highly innovative project is financed by the prestigious NWO VICI grant awarded to Prof. Matthias Barz and will be a collaboration between the Barz Lab ( and the Pomplun Lab ( at Leiden University.

What you will do Project objectives

Discover and develop high affinity peptide binders for therapeutically relevant receptors

Establish robust peptide discovery workflows in our lab

Develop bioconjugation methodology for conjugating the peptides to defined nanoparticles

What you bring We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with:

A PhD in the field of peptide discovery

Strong background in peptide discovery, ideally display (phage or mRNA) or generative computational design, ideally a combination of both

Peptide synthesis experience is appreciated

An additional computational background is appreciated

Affinity for drug discovery

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 Institute

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 (cell/bacterial 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 futurecareer.

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; they aim 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 bachelor’s 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.

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, which means that, to maintain its reputation, the bar is set veryhigh. 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?

What we offer We offer a full‑time appointment of up to two years (first contract for 12 months with option to extend to two years). You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 3,546,-- to € 5,538,-- gross per month (pay scale 10, depending on experience).

Leiden University has good employment conditions. For example, there is an end‑of‑year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance (8%), excellent training facilities, paid parental leave and the option to choose tailor‑made employment conditions via a selection model. You can find all information about this at Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

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 essential for the development of talent.

Want to apply or find out more? If you have questions about this position, please contact Prof. Matthias Barz () or Dr. Sebastian Pomplun ().

Applications Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. Please submit your application online via the blue button. 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

31

May 2026.

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