The Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) is one of the institutes of the Faculty of Science. IBL is an internationally oriented institute for research and education in biology. The Postdoc position is part of TKI-funded project to Leiden University and Biotech company DutchDNA (www.ddna-biotech.com/) to study biological recycling of bio-plastics. The project, BACK TO MONO (or in short B2M), should deliver enzymes that can degrade plastics such that the plastic polymers return back to their original chemical building blocks. The project also aims at developing the and analytical tools to monitor the degradation of selected bio-plastics. The ultimate objective is a proof-of-principle for an industrial process in which those building blocks will be re-used for new products. The postdoc will collaborate intensively with technicians at Leiden University as well as with scientists within DutchDNA.

As postdoc you will obtain, carry out and valorise scientific research. Your key tasks include;

• Set up growth experiments to evaluate plastic degrading capacities of selected fungi;

• Development of HPLC or LC-MS based quantitative assays to monitor plastic degradation;

• Perform biochemical assays to quantify esterase activities on culture supernatants;

• Analyse RNAseq and proteomic data to identify target genes or regulators.

• A PhD in biotechnology or biochemistry;

• Experience with HPLC- and LC-MS-MS based techniques ;

• Experience with analyzing (fungal) gene expression, proteomics and enzyme characterization is an advantage;

• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment;

• Good to excellent written and oral proficiency in English.

Fixed-term contract: One year with the possibility of renewal.

We offer a one year term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The position is available from April 1st, 2019. The salary range is from € 2.709 to € 4.274 gross per month (pay scale 10 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. 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.

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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