This PhD position is part of the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) ‘Molecular logic lab-on-a-vesicle for intracellular diagnostics - Logic Lab’ www.logiclab-itn.eu.

The aim of the doctoral project is to develop an upconversion sensing platform based on liposomes for the detection of calcium ions. The candidate will synthesize blue-emitting amphiphilic molecules that can bind to lipid bilayers and to calcium ions. Insertion of these molecules in liposomes, together with triplet sensitizers, will provide upconverting liposomes that can detect the presence of calcium ions in biological fluids surrounding the membrane. The sensitivity of such supramolecular logic sensors for Ca2+ ions to the presence of dioxygen and antioxidants, will be evaluated.

Scientific training in partner institutions include time-resolved spectroscopy studies at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (3 months), and calculation of excited states at the company SciClus (2 months).

• Master’s degree in Chemistry;
• Good knowledge and interest in both synthetic and physical chemistry;
• Proven competence in synthesis, spectroscopy or bioinorganic chemistry;
• Knowledge of (bio)chemical sensing and/or quantumchemistry is a plus;
• Good to excellent proficiency in English is required (as proven by IELTS: ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL: internet based 90, or equivalent);
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Meeting the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria is required. In particular, at the time of appointment candidates must have had less than four years full-time equivalent research experience and must not have already obtained a PhD. Additionally, they must not have resided in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the appointment;
• Planned start date April 2019 (or earlier).

We offer a position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2,266 to €2,897 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Mobility and family allowances as applicable according to Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship scheme for early career researchers.

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. 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. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school. The PhD candidate will benefit from a personal career development plan with targeted training measures and participation in a range of network activities with other Logic Lab consortium partners.

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

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

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Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science 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 bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 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.

The chemistry and life science research in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) 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.

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