Postdoc

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on selectively degrading oncoproteins in cancer cells. In collaboration with the biotech company Gluetacs Therapeutics, you will help develop small molecules that exploit the proteasome’s ubiquitin receptors to direct oncoproteins for degradation, independent of ubiquitination. In addition, functionalized liposomes will be used to enhance cancer cell-type specific uptake. You will work closely with experts in in silico drug design, organic chemistry, and molecular and cellular biochemistry, using advanced technologies and models.

Your top tasks include:

·         Applying biochemical and biophysical methods for proteasomal target validation.

·         Assessing the effects of compounds on cancer cell migration and invasion.

·         Developing and analyzing cellular and zebrafish xenograft models.

·         Collaborating across disciplines within and outside the lab, including with experts regarding computer-aided docking of small molecules to protein targets

You are motivated, responsible, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. You communicate clearly, contribute proactively to scientific collaboration, and thrive in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

Further, you have:

·         A PhD in biochemistry and/or cell biology, preferably with experience in drug development and the ubiquitin-proteasome system.

·         Advanced skills in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, possibly combined with experience in cell-based assays and fluorescence microscopy.

·         Preferably, a background knowledge in chemistry and/or bioinformatic analysis.

·         Experience with in silico docking of small molecules to proteins or biophysical analysis of small molecule–protein interactions is considered an advantage.

·         Good command of English, both spoken and written

As a postdoc, your salary will be between €3,493 and €5,504 gross per month (scale 10, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.

Your career at the LUMC

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

You will work at the Chemical Signaling group led by Prof. Peter ten Dijke. Our group is a world leader in cancer cell signaling. This group is part of the Cell and Chemical Biology Department, which has state-of-the-art infrastructure on organic and biochemistry and biophysics, molecular and cell biology, and xenograft animal models to perform high-quality research with high biomedical impact. Researchers have access to various LUMC research facilities, including genomics, proteomics, fluorescent activated cell sorting, life cell imaging, mouse and zebrafish animals, and protein chemistry.

·         An increase in the collective wage agreement will take place as of 1 July 2025.

·         Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.

Contact

Peter ten Dijke, Prof. sectie leider CCB
+31 71 526 9271
p.ten_dijke@lumc.nl