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

Junior Technician for Metabolic Engineering

Vacancy number: 21-658

Key responsibilities

The Junior Technician will work on the metabolic engineering of the microorganism Methylobacterium extorquens to enable sustainable production of antibiotics from the inexpensive raw material methanol. Using genetic engineering approaches, antibiotic-producing enzymes will be implemented in the host bacterium. Their function will subsequently be validated by LC-MS-based analytics. Motivation, flexibility, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently will be vital to establish this innovative line of research.

The successful applicant will work within the research group of Natural and Synthetic Biochemistry at the Institute of Biology. This NWO-funded position is ideal for a recent MSc graduate who wants to gain additional experience before starting a PhD or an industry position, while already receiving a salary.

Selection Criteria

• MSc in microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related discipline;
• previous experience in standard molecular biology and metabolic engineering laboratory techniques, such as molecular cloning, protein expression, and strain engineering;
• previous experience in the growth, handling, and genetic modification of prokaryotic microorganisms;
• a previous record of working with non-model microorganisms is highly beneficial;
• a keen interest in contributing to building a cutting-edge research environment;
• good communication and teamworking skills;
• fluent written and spoken English.

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 https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} staff and almost 5000 {see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/wiskunde-en-natuurwetenschappen} 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  https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://workingat.leiden.edu/

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 

The desired starting date for the position is in the first quarter of 2022. We offer a 0.8 – 1 fte position for 9-12 months. Salary may range from € 2700 to € 3606 gross per month based on a full-time position (pay scale 8 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). The exact duration of the position and the salary level will be decided upon together with the successful applicant.

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

Information

Enquiries can be made to Dr. Lennart Schada von Borzyskowski, Assistant Professor at the IBL (L.Schada.von.Borzyskowski@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Sylvia Maas (jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

Applications

To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• CV
• cover letter
• contact details of two referees    

Only applications received before January 2, 2022 can be considered. Job interviews will be held in week 1.