This postdoctoral position is part of the NWO-funded VICI project ‘Ru2TARGET: Synergistic light-activated metal-based metabolic enzyme inhibitors’. The aim of this project is about developing photoactivated chemotherapy, a new form of anticancer treatment based on light-activated pharmacological compounds. After light activation, this type of compounds generate an active metal complex that should target a metabolic enzyme involved in cancer development.

We are looking for a postdoctoral collaborator to model the interaction between the activated metal complex and the targeted proteins. The candidate will have a PhD in theoretical medicinal chemistry, and/or proven expertise on the theoretical modelling of small molecules interacting with proteins. She/he will be interested in developing new modelling tools and approaches for metal-containing drugs, and in collaborating with experimentalists.

The postdoc position will be hosted at the interface between the group of Dr. Sylvestre Bonnet, whose research focusses on on photoinorganic chemistry in biological and biomimetic environments, and the group of Dr. Francesco Buda, a theoretical chemist specialized in modeling the reactivity of metal complexes in complex environments and in QM/MM approaches. Computing time will be available via a local cluster and SURFSARA, the Dutch high-performance computing facility. Strong interactions between the theoretical postdoc and the members of the experimental team are expected, aiming at designing highly selective and effective light-activated metal-based metabolic enzyme inhibitors.

• The candidate should hold a PhD degree in medicinal computational chemistry or a related field;
• He/she should have a good knowledge of state-of-the-art methods for the modeling small molecule-protein interactions;
• Excellent proficiency in English is required (as proven by IELTS: ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL: internet based 90, or equivalent);
• The candidate should have a convincing publication record;
• He/she should have proven ability to work in team, to communicate with experimental chemists, and be interested in developing new tools for theoretical modeling;
• Previous experience in modelling photoreactive and/or inorganic compounds is a plus.

We offer a full-time position for initially one year, with possible extension for another year after positive evaluation of the progress of the research. Salary range from € 2.709,- to € 4.274,- gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). The planned starting date is June 1 or July 1, 2020 (to be discussed).

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.

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 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 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.

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