Postdoctoral researcher on enzyme characterization and enzyme engineering Leiden • Universiteit Leiden

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The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a:

Postdoctoral researcher on enzyme characterization and enzyme engineering

Vacancy number: 15834

Project description
We are hiring a postdoctoral scientist to join our EU-funded team on genetic engineering of Cyanobacteria to generate sustainable cell factories. The C5 project (Clever Combination of Synthetic Compartmentalization, Carbon Fixation, and Compound Biomanufacturing) aims to develop a Solar-to-X technology that converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide directly into valuable chemicals, namely isoprene. By integrating a new-to-nature carbon fixation pathway into novel synthetic organelles of fast-growing Cyanobacteria, the project promises a simplified, efficient, and sustainable method for producing isoprene, an essential compound used widely in rubber, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products.

Key responsibilities
This postdoc position will focus on characterizing and engineering enzymes for the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into isoprene. The scientist will perform biochemical characterization of naturally occurring enzymes and improve their properties via enzyme engineering, based on diverse approaches including structure-based mutagenesis, growth-coupled selection, and directed evolution. This will be done in collaboration with our consortium partners at the University of Córdoba, Charité Berlin, and Wageningen University. The scientist will be involved in an interdisciplinary, innovative synthetic biology project in a productive scientific environment.

Selection Criteria

• A PhD degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, synthetic biology, microbiology, or a related discipline  
• Practical experience with heterologous protein production, purification, and characterization via spectrophotometric or LC-MS-based assays
• Background in enzyme engineering via targeted or random mutagenesis, high-throughput screening of sequence libraries, directed evolution, or growth coupling
• Expertise in enzyme structure analysis via crystallography or cryo-EM techniques is advantageous
• Interest in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative international project and able to undertake international travel     

Research at our faculty
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 2300 {see } staff and almost 5000 {see } 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    and  

The Institute for Biology
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.   

Terms and conditions  

• We offer a full-time, fixed-term post from 01-11-2025 until 31-10-2028. Salary range from € 3378 to € 5331 gross per month (pay scale 10 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.

Information 
Inquiries can be made to Dr. Lennart Schada von Borzyskowski, Assistant Professor at the IBL (via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina.denuniv). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina.denuniv).

Applications 
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Motivation letter including clear explanation of experience with enzyme characterization and enzyme engineering
• Curriculum vitae
• Name and contact details (email) of 2-3 referees

Only applications received before 10 August 2025 can be considered. Interviews will be held in August/September. Decision will be taken in September 2025. Preferred start date is 1 November 2025 or shortly afterwards.