• Development synthetic Polymers by ring opening polymerization for biomedical applications;
• Design of functional nanoparticles based on the developed polymers;
• Characterization of developed polymers and functional nanoparticles.
• Contributions to acquiring external funds;
• Contribute to the development of a new generation of young academics;
• Teach at different levels of the curriculum and actively contribute to innovative teaching and to the translation of the research into teaching;
• Convey the academic knowledge and insights acquired to society.

In the coming years Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) will be implementing an ambitious investment programme that will further expand our research profile and the associated teaching. To further strengthen the five clusters, will be carrying out a targeted incentive programme. Central to this is a series of topics, that have been developed by the faculties and that have a significant scientific, societal and/or cultural impact. These are all topics in which the faculties would like to intensify their mutual collaboration.

Bacterial infections and cancer form nowadays a large focus point for the development of drugs based on both biologics and small molecules. LACDR is focussing on the discovery and development of novel materials and systems to improve the efficiency of nanomedicines. Nanomedicines provide a tool to treat a variety of life-threatening diseases. Especially for long term applications novel materials and nanoparticles based on such systems are required more than ever. Therefore, we aim to strengthen our team in the biotherapeutics division with a (polymer) chemist/pharmacist providing such knowledge and willing to contribute to the development of nanomedicines.

With this initiative we aim to expand our research on novels systems for immunomodulation in cancer therapy, autoimmune and infectious diseases. In collaboration, LACDR, Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) and Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC)  aim to greatly increase our potential to design novel delivery systems that enable and optimize the clinical application nanomedicines.

To that end, we aim to establish a faculty that focuses on the design, the application of innovative delivery systems, and a detailed understanding of delivery mechanisms, to enable cell- and disease-specific action of drugs.

• A doctorate in a relevant discipline; experience as postdoctoral researcher, excellent research skills, as is evident from, for example, publications in renowned international journals and active participation in international academic and professional networks;
• A solid scientific track record;
• A strong focus on (interdisciplinary) collaboration and encouraging team achievements;
• Excellent teaching abilities, enthusiasm and drive. Vision on teaching, teaching methods and curriculum development.

Leiden university is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Terms and conditions 
We offer a full-time fixed-term position up to six years (depending on qualifications), with a possibility of a tenured position depending on funding and performance. Salary ranges from € 3.746,- to € 5.826,- gross per month (pay scale 11-12) 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.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/ she must be willing to obtain this qualification within two years., There’s a language proficiency of minimum level Cl required for staff who will teach in English.

Leiden University

Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research as a research institute works at the leading edge of drug-design and fundamental research of new drugs, improvements and optimisation of existing drugs, and new developments in personalised medicine. Within Leiden University we participate in the research profile area of 'Bioscience: the science base of health'. Read more information about LACDR on the website.

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 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.