1 PhD position in Computational Chemistry in Netherlands | Leiden University

Drug discovery has benefitted greatly from the integration of computational methods in research projects. Prediction of activity of a virtual molecule on a target of interest is done routinely. However, at the moment it is not trivial to accurately predict selectivity of virtual molecules on a number of related targets. Yet selectivity is a key concept in drug discovery, whether it is selectivity of drugs for their intended target over off-targets (selectivity) or activity of drugs for their wild type and mutated targets (broad activity).

This project aims at visualizing selectivity, exploring selectivity modeling, and ultimately predicting selectivity. The PhD candidate will be expected to collaborate with neighboring disciplines and will be performing both in silico and in vitro work.

Requirements

• The PhD candidate has (or will receive in near future) a master’s degree in (bio)pharmaceutical sciences, computer sciences, or equivalent;
• The candidate should have excellent multidisciplinary team working and communication skills;
• Proficient in spoken and written English;
• Affinity with computational sciences, experience with UNIX/Linux operating systems, and experience with scripting are advantageous benefits.

Conditions of employment

We offer a full-time, fixed-term post for a period of one year with an extension of three years after positive evaluation of capabilities and compatibility. Ultimately, the appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD thesis. Salary ranges from € 2.125,- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.717,- in year four, 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.

Department

LACDR is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR aims to advance the discovery of future medicines through cutting-edge research and training of bio-pharmaceutical scientists. LACDR is located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in the Netherlands. In the 2015 QS World University Ranking, the University of Leiden was listed number 9 globally in the area of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

The Drug & Target Discovery cluster is comprised of the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Toxicology. D&DT applies advanced systems microscopy technologies and clinically relevant model systems for target and drug screening in combination with cheminformatics for development of novel and safe drug leads, together targeting hallmarks of cancer.

The Faculty of Science teaches more than 2,600 students in the context of 8 bachelor’s and 11 master’s programmes. Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students, staff and support staff alike. The Faculty is known for its friendly and team-spirited atmosphere, which promotes mutual exchange of knowledge.