Human cells are coated with a dense array of carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids termed the glycocalyx. The glycocalyx mediates cell to cell adhesion, signaling, immune cell maturation and pathogen invasion (Figure 1A).  Modification of the glycocalyx sugars can have profound roles in cell-to-cell signaling and pathogen invasion. This PhD project will focus on the design and synthesis of mechanism-based inhibitors for both human and viral enzymes that de-acetylate glycocalyx sugars. This PhD student will then evaluate these molecules as inhibitors for both human and viral esterases using detailed biochemical techniques. Successful inhibitors will then be coupled to fluorophores and affinity groups to produce chemical tools for the detection of carbohydrate esterases in complex mixtures. The PhD student must be flexible and communicative and able to work in both organic and biochemistry labs and learn protein production methods and enzymology techniques.

• Master’s degree in organic chemistry, or equivalent;
• Proven interest in protein biochemistry;
• Proficient in English;
• Excellent communication skills.

We offer a full-time 1 year term 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.

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.

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 of Science 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 4,200 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. For more information, see the website of the Faculty of Science.