Vacancy number: 16647
Job type: PhD positions
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 30 juni 2026
Within the NWO-National Growthfund Program Cellular Agriculture (CAN) we are recruiting a highly motivated PhD student that will develop a non-model filamentous fungus as an ultimate host for the production of animal proteins from grass. In close collaboration with our academic partners (HAN-BioCentre, Nijmegen and Avans-UAS, Breda) and industrial partners (The Protein Express and Those Vegan Cowboys) these proteins will be produced and characterized for use in food applications. This CAN partnership covers the entire process chain: from strain design (Leiden University, Avans-UAS) and laboratory-scale fermentation (HAN BioCentre, The Protein Express) to process integration and validation (The Protein Express, Those Vegan Cowboys). All consortium partners will closely collaborate and learn from each other in all project work packages. The complementary expertise of all consortium partners will ensure successful development of this new bioprocess from start to finish. The position for the PhD student in this project is a crucial link within the project. Therefore, besides bringing scientific excellence our preferred candidate should also be an excellent team player.
Key tasks
- Establishment of a genetic toolbox for SynBio applications on a non-model fungus
- Development of a robust expression system for heterologous protein expression
- Improve production titers by gaining detailed knowledge on the transcriptional activator(s) that drive expression of the relevant heterologous genes
- Optimize production levels of milk proteins via medium optimization and genetic strain improvement, based on leads obtained from transcriptomics and protein stability assays
- Communication and discussion of research findings with partners; dissemination and outreach via scientific publications and public engagement activities
- Contribute to teaching activities, for example through supervision of BSc and MSc students
Research at our faculty
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 organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 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 www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at
Institute of Biology, Leiden University
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. IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented, and inclusive place to work and study. For more information about IBL see: www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/biology.
Selection criteria
- Successful candidates should have an MSc degree, preferably with a strong background in fungal biology, advanced molecular genetics and with an excellent grade list
- Excellent practical skills in microbial molecular genetics, preferably with filamentous fungi
- Excellent organisational skills and able to efficiently run several parallel research lines
- Curious and creative scientist with a critical mindset and ability to ‘think outside the box’
- Good writing skills, with proven ability to (co)-write high-quality scientific papers/reports
- Excellent written and spoken English skills and (if applicable) be willing to acquire sufficient proficiency in Dutch
- Excellent team player; previous experience in collaborating with industrial partners is preferred
- Willingness to regularly travel to partners (mostly within the Netherlands) for working visits and regular meetings
Terms of employment
We offer a 1-year position with the possibility of extension to 4 years based on performance and following the pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Salary ranges from € 2.901,- gross per month in the first year to € 3.707,- gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (38 hours).
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. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
Diversity
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Information & application
Information
Enquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Dr. Arthur Ram ([email protected]). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman ([email protected]).
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:
- A letter of motivation describing research interests and demonstrating fit with the project (max. 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- Relevant certificates (e.g. degree certificate)
- Contact information for two referees.
Only applications received before 30 june 2026 can be considered.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this.
