The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research are looking for a

Assistant Professor in Experimental Pharmacology and Cell Biology (0.8-1.0 fte)

We offer an attractive teaching and research environment, a collaborative atmosphere and a personal career-development track, including mentoring and support.

Job Description
Educational program
A significant part of the position is focused on education. At LACDR both the BSc program BioFarmaceutische Wetenschappen and the MSc program BioPharmaceutical Sciences (collectively BFW/BPS) are hosted. This position will contain teaching tasks in both curricula, which are coordinated by the division of Medicinal Chemistry. The candidate is expected to coordinate and improve existing courses, develop novel courses, and supervise bachelor and master internship students. 

Research
Part of the position is focused on research. At the division of Medicinal Chemistry our interest is focused on understanding and improving the interplay between ligands and proteins. A significant expertise is available in the area G protein-coupled receptor drug discovery. Future and current research directions are expected to further integrate these proteins and understand their biology in health and disease. This requires a thorough understanding of the molecular tools and analyses available to study protein pharmacology in the context of cell biology. Moreover, connecting and expanding these methods and concepts to other protein families is expected. The candidate will be co-promotor of PhD candidates within this field.

Selection criteria
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate, who has:

• A PhD degree in a relevant discipline, typically biochemistry/molecular pharmacology/cell physiology
• Affinity with teaching and education innovation;
• Knowledgeable in receptor pharmacology
• Knowledgeable in in vitro assay development
• Excellent proficiency in English;
• Collaborative mind set;
• Good technical skills;

The candidate should feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment. Initiative, creativity and an independent working attitude are highly valued. Planned start date October 2025, or soon thereafter.

Research at our faculty and institute 
The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.
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 https://www.science.leidenuniv.nl.

Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research on drug discovery and development. Leiden University ranks within the top-20 world-wide within the subject-based QS Ranking in Pharmacology and Pharmacy. At LACDR, we develop innovative scientific concepts in fundamental and translational research underlying the discovery and optimization of drugs, and personalised medicines. We aim to optimise the route to novel drugs that are both efficacious and safe, and therefore our research focuses on drug discovery and safety, bio-therapeutics, and systems biomedicine and pharmacology. State-of-the-art expertise and infrastructures ensure that we are strategically positioned in (inter)national collaborations, thus further strengthening the development of novel concepts and their application in a clinical and industry environment. 

Medicinal chemistry combines a molecular understanding of the interaction between small molecules and their protein targets with cheminformatics for development of novel and safe drug leads.  

LACDR has close on-going collaborations with the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) and the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR).  More information about the LACDR can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research.

Terms and conditions
We offer a position for four years (on the basis of 0.8 or 1.0 FTE). Salary ranges from € 4.728,- to € 6.433,- gross per month based on a full-time employment, (pay scale 11 in accordance with the Collective Labor 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. 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.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information 
Inquiries about the research area can be made to Prof. Dr. L.H. Heitman, l.h.heitman@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications 
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online through the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:
•    Applications are written in English and include a Cover Letter indicating the motivation for the project (which includes a vision on computational education);
•    An updated CV, including a list of publications;
•    A copy of your PhD thesis;
•    A copy of your PhD degree;
•    Contact details of two references, including names, affiliations and email addresses.

Only applications received no later than August 28th 2025 can be considered. The selection procedure will take place in September 2025, and selected candidates may be invited for a remote interview in this period, during which you are kindly requested to be available.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.