ERC funded Postdoc – Molecular Biologist – gene control with synthetic tools

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ERC funded Postdoc – Molecular Biologist – gene control with synthetic tools
Vacancy number: 22-744

Do you want to develop top edge drug discovery modalities, embedded in a young and enthusiastic research group? With us you will study and develop novel chemical modalities can control gene expression in disease.  Your work at the interface of biology and chemistry will prepare you for a competitive scientific career, both in academia and in the industry.  Join our team in the pomplunlab.com at Leiden University!

The Faculty of Science Leiden and the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research (LACDR) are looking for a postdoctoral researcher for a drug discovery program in the Pomplun Lab.

Academic position: project description
Our ultimate goal is creating synthetic tools that can control gene expression in disease. This specific project aims at developing molecular biology and cellular assays to assess the activity of synthetic modalities targeting the genome. You will work in close collaboration with chemists and together optimize compounds that target genes with high sequence specificity.

Key responsibilities

• You will develop molecular biology assays to probe the activity of synthetic transcription factors 
• You will propose creative assays and model systems to assess the synthetic transcription factors’ activity in cellular systems as well as in isolated in vitro settings
• You will supervise PhD, MSc and BSc students and teach them novel technologies (based on your background). You will participate in building up and shaping this young research group.
• You stay abreast of developments in the field, read the literature and participate in relevant conferences.
• You communicate research result to your PI and team,  proactively propose solutions for research problems and publish in internationally renowned journals.

Key for a successful postdoc will be your enthusiasm for science, your creativity, and diligent, result focused work. A happy, social, welcoming and enthusiastic lab atmosphere is key for our wellbeing and the success of our scientific efforts and you have the opportunity to help shaping such working environment.

Selection criteria
We are looking for an excellent, creative, and highly motivated colleague with:

• an Ph.D. in the broad field of molecular biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, biopharmaceutical sciences or equivalent
• strong  molecular biology  background (experience with qPCR, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, DNA-seq, reporter gene assays etc. are of definitive advantage)
• some affinity for synthetic drug modalities
• ability to work independently (project design , experimental planning, problem solving)
• competitive publication record
• excellent written and spoken English

We offer
We offer a fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position in the vibrant and top edge environment of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research.

The position is available immediately and should  start latest in early 2023. You will be appointed in accordance  with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary will be according to the Dutch Cao salary scales  https://www.medewerkers.universiteitleiden.nl/binaries/content/assets/ul2staff/po/salaris/salaristabel-1-juli-2022.pdf  

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. For more information, see the website .

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun, and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture. In the Netherlands, a maternity allowance is standard for 16 weeks. Child care is available at and near the Bio Science Park.

You will be working in the modern laboratories of the division of Drug Discovery and Safety at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR). You will be part of a first-generation team in the Pomplun Lab  and participate in ramping up an innovative and groundbreaking research program.

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. Sebastian Pomplun, Tenure Track Assistant Professor, [email protected] . 

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science . For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at .

Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to get to know you. Please send your application to [email protected] quoting the vacancy number. The closing date is 15-12-2022. Please  ensure that you include the following additional documents:

• Motivation letter including a description of specific research interests related to topics described on pomplunlab.com. Please mention a possible start date.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications;
• Brief past research statement (max 1-2 Pages);
• Two letters of recommendation (can be submitted to  [email protected] directly by your referee);
• Copies of diplomas

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