The PhD student will design and perform force spectroscopy-based experiments to understand biology at the single molecule and single cell levels. In this research, the student will combine experimental and theoretical/computational approaches. Force spectroscopy data will possibly be combined with the results of structural and network topology analysis and single cell omics.

 The responsibilities of the position include:

• Design and perform experiments and data analysis;
• Writing high quality scientific manuscripts;
• Presentation of the results to team members and other associated partners;
• Contribution to grant writing activities;
• Contribution to our education program.

The ideal candidate should fulfill (most of) the following criteria:

• An academic degree (MSc) in science with excellent records in of the following areas:
• Physics (experimental and/or theoretical) or engineering with related experience;
• Structural biology/biochemistry (extensive experience with protein engineering and purification);
• Immunology or cell biology.
• Experience with working in an international environment;
• Good written and verbal English communication skills;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to successfully work and get things done in teams.

We offer a full-time 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 € 2.395,- to € 3.061,- 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.  Additional budget allows for research visits abroad and attendance of international conferences. More at Overview of terms and conditions of employment - Leiden University

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.

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 driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge 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 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 4.400 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 Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of approximately 150 researchers and is ideally located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in The Netherlands. The Mashaghi lab (Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Group) is involved in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, engineering and biomedicine. We enjoy developing highly innovative approaches to high-impact questions, working with advanced technologies and writing compelling publications. For more information, see the website.