Postdoc Synthetic polymer chemistry

Postdoc Synthetic polymer chemistry

Within the ERA4Health Project RELIABLE the group of Prof. dr. Matthias Barz at the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR) has an opening for postdoctoral researcher position in synthetic polymer chemistry and formulation science. The researcher will join a collaboration project between Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University of Parma, and the industrial partner Curapath on the development of orally applicable mRNA therapeutics for chronic inflammation of the gut. The overall aim of this project is to develop novel polypept(o)ides, lipopolymers and formulations thereof employing state of the art techniques.

What you will do
The research topic in this position involves the development of novel polymeric materials based on polypept(o)ides and their use in the development of nucleic acid formulations to modulate immune cells in vivo to control inflammation or induce antitumoral responses.

Objectives: 1) Synthesis and characterization polypeptides, di or tri-block copolypept(o)ides and lipopolypept(o)ides; 2) formulation development using state-of-art techniques, e.g. microfluidics; 3) Monomer (amino acid) Synthesis; 4) in vitro and in vivo evaluation of systems with respect to encapsulation chemistry, particle composition and surface modification.

Requirements

• The candidates should have a PhD in synthetic chemistry, polymer chemistry or Materials science with a strong background polymer or organic synthesis, ideally in the synthesis of polypeptides by NCA polymerization.
• Moreover, knowledge in materials characterization (light scattering, SEM/TEM, AFM) are required. Besides well-founded chemical expertise, a keen interest in the application of material science to their biological evaluation and interest in therapeutic needs is expected.
• We are looking for team players that are capable to independently plan and execute their research tasks within an interdisciplinary project, which combines chemists, physicists, biologists and clinicians.
• Candidates should have the ability to think creatively and combine an excellent command of the English language with strong communication skills. Highly motivated students are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is one of the 8 institute within the faculty. The division of BioTherapeutics is part of the LACDR. Our institute is a centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research on drug discovery and development. Leiden University consistently ranks within the top-20 world-wide within the subject-based QS Ranking in Pharmacology and Pharmacy. At LACDR, we develop innovative scientific concepts in fundamental and translational research underlying the discovery and optimization of drugs, and personalized medicines. State-of-the-art expertise and infrastructures ensure that we are strategically positioned in (inter)national collaborations, thus further strengthening the development of novel concepts and their application in a clinical and industry environment. More information about LACDR you find on the website.

The division of BioTherapeutics operates at the forefront of research in the field of therapeutic immune modulation using nanomedicines. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research/biotherapeutics

What we offer
The position is fulltime (1.0 FTE) for 2 years and 2 month. Starting date will be asap.
The salary is in accordance with the collective salary agreement of the Association of Dutch Universities scale 10, from €4,060 to €5,331 per month. Leiden University also offers and annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see the website.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Selection process
We look forward to receiving your application with a CV as well as transcripts of marks for your degree(s) and the names and contact details of two academic referees to e-mail address: m.barz@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl. Only applications received no later than March 14, 2025 can be considered.

Informal enquiries can be also sent to Prof. Matthias Barz, email m.barz@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl. For the profile of the principal investigator, see the website.

38 hours per week

Rapenburg 70