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 NWO-funded project related to developing the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger as a cell factory for protein production.

As postdoc you will carry out and valorize scientific research. Your key tasks include:

• Using genome-editing technologies for improving Aspergillus niger as a cell factory;
• Study transcriptional regulation of enzyme production by modifying transcription factors and transcription factor interacting proteins;
• Project management, reporting and scientific writing.

• A PhD in biotechnology or biochemistry;
• Experience with genome editing, analyzing (fungal) gene expression, protein work,  enzyme purification is an advantage;
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Good to excellent written and oral proficiency in English.

We offer a full-time, 2 year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. Salary range from € 2.790,- to € 4.402,- gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research on drug discovery and development. We make use of innovative technologies such as multi-omics approaches and advanced imaging as well as computational approaches altogether resulting in complex and large amount of data.

The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 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. For more information, see the website of the Faculty of Science.

The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences,  Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.