PhD Position: Bacterial Packaging of Biocatalytic Nanofactories at Leiden University | Apply Now

Leiden University, Netherlands, is inviting applications for a PhD position in Bacterial Packaging of Biocatalytic Nanofactories. This opportunity is suited to candidates with a master’s degree in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field, interested in enzyme engineering, synthetic cells, and developing innovative biocatalytic systems.

  • Job Position: PhD position – Bacterial Packaging of Biocatalytic Nanofactories
  • Location: Leiden, Netherlands
  • Vacancy number: 16988

About Leiden University

Leiden University is a leading international research university in the Netherlands, known for its strong focus on academic research and education. Its Faculty of Science brings together researchers across disciplines, including biology, chemistry, biotechnology, and life sciences. The university’s Leiden Institute of Chemistry is part of a collaborative research environment with strong connections to national and international research institutions.

Job Description for the Leiden University PhD Position

With the recent rapid progress in synthetic cells, sometimes known as artificial cells, the toolbox for liposome-encapsulated biocatalyst has massively expanded, creating complex systems that can act as ‘chemical nanofactories’ for biocatalytic cascade reactions. In this PhD project, you will optimise, apply and exploit a new technology in which biocatalysts are ‘packaged’ and confined in lipid vesicles during bacterial expression, which not only massively enriches biocatalyst yields, but also creates a ready-to-go liposome-encapsulated systems.

Project Details

This project is a good match if:

  • you are interested in the expression, characterisation and engineering of biocatalysts.
  • you like working in a multidisciplinary team.
  • you are interested in contributing to the field of Synthetic Cells and biotechnology.

PhD Position Eligibility Criteria

Leiden University is looking for a highly motivated candidate who:

  • has a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
  • has a good proficiency in (scientific) English, and excellent communication skills.

Required Skills

  • has experience in cloning, expression, purification and characterisation of biocatalysts, and preferably also in the preparation and analysis of lipid vesicles.
  • has a strong interest in structure-function relationship of enzymes, with proven excellent technical experimental and analytical skills and ability to work independently.
  • feels comfortable working in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Optimise and develop methods for packaging biocatalysts inside lipid vesicles during bacterial expression.

  • Express, purify, and characterise biocatalysts for use in biocatalytic nanofactories.

  • Investigate enzyme properties and structure-function relationships.

  • Prepare and analyse lipid vesicles and liposome-encapsulated biocatalytic systems.

  • Design and conduct experiments to improve biocatalyst production and performance.

  • Analyse experimental results, document findings, and communicate research outcomes.

  • Collaborate with researchers from different disciplines to advance synthetic cell and biotechnology research.

Salary: A salary between €3204 – €4051 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours).

This PhD position at Leiden University offers an opportunity to work on innovative research combining biotechnology, enzyme engineering, and synthetic cell technology. Candidates with a relevant master’s degree and experience in biocatalyst research can explore this Leiden University PhD position to advance their scientific skills and contribute to the development of next-generation biocatalytic systems.

Applications Deadline: 27 November 2026

APPLY HERE