Postdoctoral researcher in photoactivated chemotherapy

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Postdoctoral researcher in photoactivated chemotherapy

Photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) is a new form of phototherapy against cancer. In the frame of an EU-funded translational programme dedicated to developing PACT compounds for eye cancer treatment towards the clinics, the group of Prof. Sylvestre Bonnet is looking for a biologist with proven experience in mice tumor models, interest in patient-derived xenografts, and if possible, a Dutch license 9 to perform animal experiments, to investigate the efficacy and safety of ruthenium-based photoactivated compounds in vivo against uveal melanoma tumors. Do you have interest in photomedicine? Do you want your research to make an impact? Just apply and join the PACT4EYE project! Experience with photodynamic therapy, patient-derived xenografts, uveal melanoma research, and a license 9, are a plus.

Project description and responsibilities
The position entails formulation, efficacy, biosafety, and mechanistic studies of ruthenium-based photoactivated chemotherapy treatment of uveal melanoma patient-derived tumor models in mice. You will be integrated in the MCBIM group (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/chemistry/mcbim ) and share responsibility of the biological part of the group, with possible involvement in the supervision of 1-2 PhD students. You will work in collaboration with the other members of the PACT4EYE consortium and actively participate to the consortium meetings.

Profile
You will have a PhD in biology, and proven experience with in vivo mice experiment. If possible, you will be familiar with photomedicine, uveal melanoma, patient derived xenografts, and you have a license 9 or are ready to acquire it quickly via proper training. You will participate in a collaborative project involving a company and two medical centres with expertise in eye cancer treatment. Good English skills and a will to work in a multidisciplinary topic are a must.

Organisation
The chemistry and life science research in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/chemistry is organized around two major research areas: ‘Chemical Biology’ and ‘Energy & Sustainability’. The institute’s research themes illustrate the central position of chemistry between biology, medicine and physics. The various research topics carried out within these themes are ideal for executing interdisciplinary research.

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. You can find more information about the Faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science .

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?

For more information about working at Leiden University please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at .

We offer
The planned starting date is between September 1 and November 1, 2025 (to be discussed). We offer a position for 12 months. You will be appointed in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The salary ranges from € 4.060,- to € 5.331,- gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale 10).
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.

Diversity and inclusion
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Contact

Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Yvonne Snellenberg, secretary of professor Sylvestre Bonnet, snellenbergy@chem.leidenuniv.nl , +31 71 5274450.

Applications
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to get to know you. Please apply via the blue button. The closing date is 14 May 2025.
Please ensure that you include the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter;
• Full curriculum vitae;
• A separate list of publications;
• Brief past and future research statements;
• Contact details of at least 2 persons who can be contacted for reference.

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