The enzymes β-lactamases play a key role in antibiotic resistance. The evolution of these enzymes under various selection pressures can serve as a model for protein evolution in general. The PhD candidate will carry out research leading to a PhD degree with aim to elucidate the role of temperature as a selection pressure in protein evolution, with the rationale that evolution at high temperatures is more stringent than at low temperatures. Laboratory evolution experiments on β-lactamase will be combined with structural (XRD), dynamic (NMR) and kinetic studies of the resulting mutants to understand how the evolutionary landscape is affected by temperature during the selection process. All PhD candidatess in the Institute also have some teaching duties.

• Master degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics or Biology, or equivalent;
• Experience with production and purification of recombinant proteins;
• Knowledge of protein crystallography and/or protein NMR spectroscopy is an advantage;            
• Enthusiasm for research, team player, initiative.

We offer a  full-time 1 year term 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 €2,325  to €2,972  gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD candidates 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.

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

Leiden University

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 organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.200 staff and almost 4,200 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.