Job - Postdoc. who will focus on the effect of exogenous compounds on the lipid organisation in the skin barrier

The outermost layer of the skin, the horny layer, consists of cells embedded in a lipid matrix. These lipid regions form the main barrier for diffusion of substances across the skin and are organised in crystalline lipid phases. The topical application of compounds might modify this molecular organization of the lipids and thus perturb the lipid phases. Detailed knowledge of the effects of compounds on the biophysical properties of the lipid organization is important to design safe efficeous drug delivery systems.

The aim of this project is to elucidate the effect of several exogenous compounds with systemic variations in the molecular architecture on the lipid organization in the skin and to relate the changes in lipid organization to changes in the skin barrier function.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated scientist with a PhD on a chemical/ biophysical subject preferably related to lipids. Within the project we will utilize a wide range of techniques including in vitro permeation studies across lipid membranes, X-ray diffraction, and several spectroscopic methods. The diffraction studies will be performed at the synchrotron radiation source in Grenoble (ESRF). Technical skills and experience with spectroscopic methods is an advantage. The candidate must have excellent communicative skills and easily communicate in English. The candidate will work closely together with other members of our team.

Appointment will be according to the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), for the duration of one year. The function is validated in the University Function Ordening system (UFO) under the profile “onderzoeker 4”. The salary will be set, depending on education and work experience, between the gross minimum of 2861,- and gross maximum of 3755,- Euros per month, based on fulltime employment (salary scale: 10). Besides which, Leiden University offers an annual holiday premium of 8% and an end-of-year premium of 8.3%.

For more information, please contact Ms. Prof.dr Joke Bouwstra, Telephone: +31 71 527 4208; she will be available from March 20^th onwards

Additionally, you can check the websites of the Faculty of Science and the LACDR: www.science.leidenuniv.nl and www.lacdr.nl. Further information on employment at Leiden University can be found at: www.leidenuniv.edu.