Student-assistent Projectsecretaris Onderwijsvernieuwing

Ben jij een betrokken derdejaars of masterstudent aan de Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid met interesse in onderwijs? Wil jij meedenken én meedoen aan de vernieuwing van ons onderwijs, samen met de opleidingsdirecteur en leerlijncoördinatoren? Dan is dit jouw kans! De faculteit zoekt een student-assistent die de opleidingsdirecteur Rechtsgeleerdheid ondersteunt bij het implementeren van de Kernvisie juridische opleidingen. De functie beslaat ongeveer twee dagen per week en kan flexibel over meerdere dagen worden ingevuld.

De Kernvisie
De Kernvisie richt zich op toekomstbestendig juridisch bacheloronderwijs met een duidelijke identiteit, waarin studenten op activerende wijze hoogwaardige kennis en vaardigheden ontwikkelen. Sinds 2022 werkt de taskforce Kernvisie aan deze herziening van de juridische bacheloropleidingen met als doel de onderwijskwaliteit te verbeteren, studentsucces en actieve participatie te vergroten, en studenten beter voor te bereiden op de veranderende arbeidsmarkt en vervolgopleidingen. Dit heeft geleid tot een nieuw, samenhangend en inclusief curriculum dat vanaf september 2025 gefaseerd wordt ingevoerd.

Dit ga je doen

• Je ondersteunt de opleidingsdirecteur en waar nodig leerlijncoördinatoren bij hun werkzaamheden;
• Je stelt je op als adviseur en sparringpartner over onderwijsvernieuwing;
• Je denkt en helpt mee bij het vormgeven van communicatie over onderwijsvernieuwingen;
• Je ondersteunt de opleidingsdirecteur en beleidsmedewerkers bij het schrijven van notities over onderwijsvernieuwing;
• Je maakt (indien nodig) puntsgewijs een verslag van de gesprekken waarbij je aanwezig bent en communiceert de afspraken met alle betrokken partijen;
• Je onderhoudt namens de opleidingsdirecteur contacten met de verschillende (ondersteunende) afdelingen en gremia binnen de faculteit.

Hoe ziet je werkweek eruit?
Op maandagochtend heb je vóór je college het wekelijkse overleg met de opleidingsdirecteur en de beleidsmedewerker onderwijs. Je krijgt te horen dat de notitie over de afstudeerruimte deze week naar het faculteitsbestuur moet. De notitie is bijna af, maar moet nog in het juiste format worden gezet en worden nagelezen op taal. Op dinsdagochtend klop je even aan bij de vice-decaan onderwijs om de laatste punten af te stemmen. Met de bestuurssecretaris stem je af wat er precies op het voorblad moet. Je klapt je laptop open en ziet in je mailbox een bezorgde e-mail van de roostering. Het is de vraag of de Ateliers (een nieuw onderwijsformat) wel geroosterd kunnen worden zoals de coördinatoren hebben doorgegeven bij de onderwijsvoorbereiding. Je neemt het initiatief om een afspraak te plannen met de Ateliercoördinator en de roostering om de mogelijkheden door te spreken. Kort daarna klopt de beleidsmedewerker onderwijs aan met een vraag over de communicatie over de overgangsregelingen. Je neemt dit mee naar het wekelijkse kernvisieoverleg op donderdagochtend. Je zegt toe aan de beleidsmedewerker dat je het antwoord donderdagochtend terugkoppelt.

Op donderdag start je je werkdag met dit overleg met de opleidingsdirecteur en de communicatieadviseur. Deze week sluit ook het hoofd van de stafdienst Onderwijs aan. Naast de puntjes die je hebt verzameld, staat ook de communicatie over inschrijven centraal. Jij bent als student de expert en geeft uit eigen beweging input over mogelijke communicatiekanalen. Je biedt aan dit dossier met de communicatieadviseur verder op te pakken. ’s Middags heb je een werkgroep. Na afloop van je werkgroep zie je een e-mail van de vaardighedenlijncoördinator met de vraag of je volgende week tijd hebt om mee te gaan naar een overleg over de toetsing bij een nieuw vak. Helaas kun je niet, omdat je onderwijs hebt, maar je weet dat een student-assistent bij onderwijsbeleid veel weet van dit dossier en de vaardighedenlijncoördinator kan ondersteunen bij dit overleg.

Hier ga je werken
De Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid is gevestigd in Leiden en Den Haag en is met ruim 7000 studenten en ongeveer 600 medewerkers een van de grootste faculteiten van Nederland. De faculteit richt zich op innovatief multidisciplinair onderzoek en een steeds vernieuwend onderwijsaanbod aan de hand van maatschappelijke vraagstukken. Onze faculteit is groot genoeg om nationaal en internationaal het verschil te maken en klein genoeg om persoonlijk onderwijs te bieden. Zo leveren we dagelijks een bijdrage aan een veilige en duurzame wereld. Impact met recht! Zie voor meer informatie https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/rechtsgeleerdheid.

Dit breng je mee

Wat verwachten we van jou?

• Je bent minimaal derdejaars of masterstudent aan de Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid in Leiden (Rechtsgeleerdheid, Fiscaal recht, Notarieel recht of Criminologie);
• Je hebt interesse in onderwijs(vernieuwing) en de (politiek-)bestuurlijke processen die hierbij komen kijken;
• Je bent sociaal, nieuwsgierig en niet bang om anderen aan te spreken;
• Je bent politiek sensitief en durft risico’s of problemen aan te kaarten;
• Je kan twee dagen per week op de faculteit werken (eventueel verspreid over meerdere dagen), met de nodige planningsflexibiliteit. Beschikbaarheid op maandag, dinsdag, en/of donderdag is een pré. Jouw studie is voor de faculteit het belangrijkst, dus we houden rekening met jouw rooster en tentamens;
• Je kan laten zien dat deze functie (goed) past binnen je studieplanning en overige tijdsbesteding (eventuele andere bijbanen, sport, etc.);
• Je kent de faculteit omdat je een betrokken en actieve student bent. Eventuele ervaring in een opleidingscommissie, studievereniging of eerdere werkervaring binnen de faculteit (voorlichter, tutor, etc.) is pré.

Herken je jezelf volledig in dit profiel óf voldoe jij niet aan alle eisen maar denk je wel dat dit de functie voor jou is? Dan nodigen wij je graag uit om te solliciteren!

Dit bieden we je
We streven ernaar om met elkaar een transparante, inclusieve werkomgeving te creëren, waarin iedereen zich welkom en gewaardeerd voelt. Onze organisatie is volop in beweging en met jouw ideeën voor verbetering en vernieuwing komen we verder. We besteden graag met jou aandacht aan je persoonlijke ontwikkeling.

Je kunt rekenen op een leuke maatschappelijk relevante baan binnen de wereld van onderwijs en onderzoek. De uitdagende en internationale werkomgeving van de universiteit bevindt zich op een steenworp afstand van de levendige Leidse binnenstad of in het bruisende stadscentrum in Den Haag. Ook hebben we – samen met jou – aandacht voor gezondheid en vitaliteit. Vanuit Healthy University organiseren we leuke activiteiten die hieraan bijdragen.

Daarnaast bieden we je:

• Een contract van ongeveer 16-24 uur per week voor een jaar;
• Een salaris tussen €3084 - €3141,- bruto per maand bij een fulltime (38 uur) aanstelling (Student assistent);
• Een kans om écht impact te maken op het onderwijs van de faculteit;
• Een inspirerende werkomgeving waarin je samenwerkt in wisselende teams waarbij je samenwerkt met de opleidingsdirecteur, een communicatieadviseur; beleidsmedewerkers onderwijsbeleid en de student-assistent(en) onderwijsbeleid;
• Een bijbaan die echt bij je studie past! We houden rekening met je hoorcolleges, werkgroepen en tentamenperiodes.

Meer informatie over arbeidsvoorwaarden lees je hier: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

Dit vinden wij belangrijk
Het bevorderen van een inclusieve gemeenschap staat centraal in de waarden en visie van de Universiteit Leiden. We streven ernaar om een open gemeenschap te zijn waar alle studenten en medewerkers zich gewaardeerd en gerespecteerd voelen en zich volop kunnen ontplooien. Diversiteit in ervaringen en perspectieven verrijkt ons onderwijs en versterkt ons onderzoek. Een inclusieve academische omgeving waarin studenten en medewerkers hun ervaringen en opvattingen kunnen delen, zien we als essentieel voor de ontwikkeling van talenten.

Solliciteren of meer weten?
Direct solliciteren? Klik dan op de sollicitatiebutton.

Wil je eerst nog meer informatie over de inhoud van deze functie? Neem contact op met Michael Klos, Opleidingsdirecteur, m.klos@law.leidenuniv.nl. Solliciteren kan tot en met 4 juni 2026. De gesprekken vinden zo snel mogelijk plaats na het sluiten van de vacature.

Om elkaar goed te leren kennen, volgen we een aantal stappen in de sollicitatieprocedure. Meer informatie lees je hier: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij/sollicitatieprocedure-en-arbeidsvoorwaarden

• Acquisitie naar aanleiding van deze vacature wordt niet op prijs gesteld. Mocht je ons toch cv’s toesturen dan kunnen daar geen rechten aan worden ontleend.

Leiden/EU DG JRC Joint Doctorate PhD candidate for integrated circular economy modelling

The Leiden University Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) and the EU DG Joint Research Centre are looking for a :

Leiden/EU DG JRC Joint Doctorate PhD candidate for integrated circular economy modelling (ICM, re-advertised)
Are you an enthusiastic early career researcher who is keen to work on bottom-up and top-down modelling of the impact of a circular economy transition in terms of wellbeing (i.e. value and wealth creation, inclusion and distributive effects, and sustainability)? Are you interested to do a PhD at both Leiden University – CML and the EU’s DG Joint Research Centre in Sevilla? Then this could be the ideal PhD position for you!

What you will do

Context and key responsibilities
The world is facing a multitude of challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to excessive waste and pollution and potential resource scarcity. This is systemically rooted in the linear, extractive nature of material and resource use in present-day society. An acceleration of a transition to a circular economy (CE) and society is urgently needed to tackle these sustainability challenges.

Leiden University leads the work package on modelling in a consortium of over 20 partners that won a 6 year National Science Agenda (NWA) project investigating the transition to a Circular Economy, called ACT! Other WPs include Visioning (including societal engagement), Pathways (for transitions), and Case studies (on furniture, built environment, manufacturing and households/communities). The EU’s DG Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Sevilla further set up a Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Agreement with Leiden on a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials. This work requires the same modelling as in ACT! The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) of Leiden University and EU DG JRC hence offer a PhD position on Circular Economy modelling in which the PhD candidate works for a few initial months at Leiden University, then 2 years at JRC Sevilla, and then completes a 4 year trajectory in Leiden.

The modelling suite is developed with other PhDs in Leiden, and postdocs at Wageningen University, Tilburg University and Leiden. The work will further benefit from the Joint Doctorate program with EU DG JRC and from close interactions with non-university modelling groups partnering in the project. Short research stays may be organised at TNO and/or the Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving (PBL). Next to this, Leiden has strong interactions with work on global input-output modelling of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The PhD project is expected to cover:

1. Building detailed bottom-up physical stock vintages and flow data for the cases selected in WP4, using established methods from industrial ecology (MFA, LCI, LCA) that can be linked to the sector structure of dynamic models in task 3, typically represented by economic input-output tables (jointly with a Leiden PhD and postdoc)
2. Regional and sectoral specification of changes in distribution of asset ownership and value-capturing potential next to diffusion potentials of circular solutions, focusing on innovations proposed by WP4 (jointly with a WUR postdoc).
3. Developing an integrated micro–macro dynamic modelling suite for policy support by connecting the (usually static) bottom-up datasets developed in Task 1 and 2 to dynamic top-down general or partial CGE models, and vice versa (jointly with a Tilburg postdoc and EU DG JRC staff)
4. Using the WP2.3 model in combination with outputs from WP1 and WP3 to develop illustrative circular economy scenarios, feeding results on the best transition paths back to the cases in WP4 (all).

We hence look for quantitatively trained candidates, ideally familiar with life cycle assessment and material flow data, trade and economic/input output data, dynamic modelling, data harmonization, excellent in programming, and an interest to link their work to the more transition and system innovation WPs in ACT.

Preferred starting date is August/September 2026.

Where you will work

Where you will work
The PhD trajectory will hosted by the Department of Industrial Ecology of Leiden’s Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML). It will be a Joint Doctorate position with JRC: for 2 years (Month 1-3 and Month 28-48) in Leiden, and 2 years (Month 4-28) at JRC in Sevilla.

The Institute of Environmental Sciences CML at the Faculty of Science
CML is part of the Faculty of Science, which 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 expanding fundamental knowledge by curiosity and looking beyond the borders of their discipline; they aim to benefit science and 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. For more information about the Science Faculty, click here.

The environmental science research in CML is organized around two major research areas: ‘Industrial Ecology’ and ‘Environmental Biology’. This makes CML one of the few institutes covering both the circular, sustainable economic use of natural resources and natural capital, as well as assessing the environmental impacts of economic activities on natural resources, biodiversity and natural capital. Presently, over 150 FTE (including postdocs and PhD candidates) are employed at CML. CML collaborates with the TU Delft and Erasmus University (Rotterdam) in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Centre for Sustainability (LDE-CfS).

EU’s Joint Research Centre, Directorate ‘Fair and Sustainable Economy’
The EU’s Directorate-General Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides the Commission with scientific advice and technical support in order to help formulate, implement and monitor a wide range of policies of the European Union. It has six Directorates on various locations in the EU.

Directorate B in Sevilla focuses on research into a Fair and Sustainable Economy. The Joint Doctorate will be hosted by Unit B5 Circular Economy and Sustainable Industry. The unit uses interdisciplinary science and methods to provide evidence that informs circular economy, industrial transformation / transition policies and green investments. For this, a wide range of analytical and modelling tools is used. Specific areas of work include:

• assessing innovative technologies for industrial transformation and shaping the regulatory framework for EU industry along its depollution, decarbonisation, circular economy and resource efficiency transition journey;
• producing scientific, technical, environmental and socio-economic analyses and evidence to support EU policy developments towards a more circular use and sourcing of materials for producers and the provision of greener, more sustainable products and services for consumers;
• providing scientific expertise to enable the assessment of the environmental and socioeconomic performance of economic activities, investments and transition plans.

For more information about the JRC, please consult https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en ; and https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-science-and-knowledge-activities/sustainable-materials_en .

What you bring

Selection criteria

• A completed (research) master degree in industrial ecology, (ecological) economics/ econometrics, or other studies resulting in excellent data and modelling skills
• Proven affinity with sustainability research and/or other environmental sciences;
• A team player with a collaborative attitude and ability to work within an interdisciplinary team composed of innovation specialists, historians, governance specialists and modellers;
• English language proficiency.
• Dutch language proficiency (not required, but given the Dutch cases an advantage);
• Willingness to spent 2 years at JRC in Seville and 2 years in Leiden
• A strong interest in the European project

What we offer

Terms and conditions
We offer initially a 3 month contract at Leiden University, with at the end a go/no-go evaluation for the full PhD period. After that 2 years will be spent at EU DG JRC in Sevilla under a JRC contract, and the remainder will be spent at Leiden University under a Leiden contract. The sum of contracts will be 4 years.

The conditions for year 1 and 4 at Leiden University are:

• A salary ranging from € 3.059,- gross per month in year 1 to € 3.881,- gross per month in year 4 following pay scale P of the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. based on a full-time position. (38 hours), following pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Holiday allowance (8%) and an end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• An attractive pension scheme with ABP, ensuring your financial well-being both now and in the future
• Extensive options for secondary employment conditions: You can explore options such as sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and the individual choices model, which allows you to exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits like an advantageous sports subscription, bicycle scheme, and childcare options
• Hybrid working options: If your role allows, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home within the Netherlands
• Home-working allowance: You’ll receive a home-working allowance (for both workdays and internet), and the university will provide you with a laptop and support for creating a comfortable home office

Terms and conditions for the 2 years at JRC Sevilla are:

• Following the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership Agreement with JRC the PhD candidate will have a JRC Grantholder contract with a duration of 24 months (Cat. 20, indicative gross annual salary, 46.000 €).
• Prior to the enrolment at JRC, the candidate should have the nationality of a Member State of the EU or a country associated to the Research Framework Programmes or being resident in a EU Member State since at least five years.
• Enquiries regarding the working conditions can be made to HR-JRC-SVQ-SELECTION-RECRUITMENT@ec.europa.eu.

The PhD candidate will be embedded for the full period of four years in Leiden University’s Graduate School of Science. The graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In the period the PhD candidate is at EU DG JRC, remote supervision from Leiden supervisors is foreseen, in the same intensity as usual for Leiden PhDs.

What we value

Diversity
At the Faculty of Science, we value inclusiveness and strive for a diverse community with equal opportunities for all. We give full support to our staff in achieving their potential to become independent academic researchers and teachers. For more information about our policy on diversity and equality please go to the diversity page on our website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/dossiers/diversity

Female researchers are also welcome to join the Researchers In Science for Equality network of the Faculty of Science (rise.nu).

Want to apply or find out more?

Information
Enquiries can be made to Prof. Arnold Tukker (tukker@cml.leidenuniv.nl), dr. Rutger Hoekstra (r.hoekstra@cml.leidenuniv.nl)

Applications
Please submit your application via the online recruitment system, via the blue button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications received via e-mail will not be taken into consideration. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Motivation letter (max 2 pages).
• Name and contact details of at least two referees.

Only applications received before 19 June 2026 at 23:59 will be considered.

The first round of interviews will take place on the 25th of June 2026. The next round(s) will be planned afterwards and will include a selection by JRC (in agreement with the University of Leiden)

PhD in modeling of cell migration in complex ECMs to decode the risk for young adult skin cancer

The Faculty of Science, the Mathematical Institute and the Institute of Biology are looking for a PhD Student in Theoretical or Mathematical Biology (1.0 FTE)

What you will do
The opening is for a research position within the field of computational science, mathematical or theoretical biology, computational physics, or applied mathematics. This PhD project is part of the EU project PhotoMel (Decoding Early-Life UVA and Skincare Additive Interactions Driving Melanoma Risk and Progression in Young Adults), a multidisciplinary consortium of 7 European universities and partners. Together, PhotoMel aims to prevent melanoma (skin cancer) onset in young adults by decoding the impact of chemical exposures on UVA-induced damage in early childhood, including ECM remodeling and skin cell mutations that shape the melanoma niche.

Your task will be to further develop two-dimensional models of melanoma cell migration in complex 2D ECMs. The goal will be to determine how UV/chemical-induced ECM changes affect melanoma cell migration, proliferation, and gene expression. We will build upon a recent hybrid Cellular Potts model (hCPM) of cell-ECM interactions, which couples CPMs of cell migration and cell traction with a molecular dynamics model of ECM fiber networks, and a PDE model describing growth factors and ECM-modifying enzymes. Models will be initiated with simulated data and imaging data of skin samples. At a later stage, the models can be extended to three dimensions using software developed concurrently by a postdoc in our team.

The successful applicant will be an integral member of the EU PhotoMel community, which offers an open, diverse and inspiring environment to engage in multidisciplinary cancer research at the intersection of biology, medicine and physics, and is expected to participate in EU PhotoMel events, training and collaborations.

• Develop and interpret novel two-dimensional multiscale mathematical models of cell migration through complex networks of ECM fibers, in close collaboration with members of the PhotoMel consortium.
• Further develop and adapt our two-dimensional simulation techniques to make them suitable for modeling the mechanochemical regulation of melanoma cell migration, in close collaboration with members of the PhotoMel consortium.
• Integrate the new techniques into the Tissue Simulation Toolkit (https://github.com/mathbioleiden/Tissue-Simulation-Toolkit ) and/or other CPM frameworks such as Morpheus or CompuCell3D.
• Design simulation experiments to reflect and interpret ECM modifications due to exposure to UV and skincare additives, based on data obtained elsewhere in the PhotoMel consortium
• Obtain detailed insights into the effects of UV and skincare additives on melanoma progression through simulation experiments guided by literature study, interactions with other participants of PhotoMel consortium and development of advanced distance measures and parameter identification.
• Collaborate with a postdoc working in our group, also within PhotoMel to extend your two-dimensional modeling insights to three dimensions and to validate these against experimental data produced elsewhere in the consortium
• Correct and improve your mathematical models in close collaboration with experimental biologists, including colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna who will image melanoma cell migration and cell-ECM interactions in ex vivo human skin samples and organotypic models
• Publication of the results in the scientific literature and writing a PhD thesis.

What you bring

• Master’s degree in theoretical biology, applied mathematics, computational/theoretical physics, computer science or a related discipline;
• Written and oral proficiency in English, strong scientific writing skills;
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Fluent interdisciplinary communication skills with scientists in cell biology and mathematics;
• Keen interest in cell and developmental biology of cancer;
• Experience in (numerical) mathematical modeling (e.g., Cellular Potts modeling, particle-based simulations, PDEs, FBA);
• Suitable programming skills in C++ or a related language.

Where you will work

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 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 www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and http://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Mathematical Institute (MI) is one of the eight institutes within the Faculty of Science and has a strong international orientation. The institute's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge by developing and applying high-quality mathematics while offering a wide range of mathematical programs in a friendly and intellectually stimulating environment. We believe that mathematics is a fundamental part of human knowledge, and we take pride in our role as guardians of this rich scientific discipline. We are dedicated to expanding the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and applying our expertise to solve challenges in other sciences, society, and industry. Additionally, we actively promote mathematical literacy through various outreach activities.

The Mathematical Institute focuses on four key research themes: Algebra, Geometry, and Number Theory; Analysis and Dynamical Systems; Probability; and Statistics and Data Science. There is extensive collaboration between these themes. For more information about the Mathematical Institute, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/mathematics.

Multiscale Mathematical Biology - The work will be embedded in the interdisciplinary Multiscale Mathematical Biology (MMB) team at the Mathematical Institute and the Institute of Biology Leiden, both at the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, and is also part of the qBioLeiden initiative that unites research in quantitative biology at Leiden University. The MMB team carries out mathematical biology research in close interaction with its own experimental work and that of collaborators. The team focuses on the mechanobiology of animals and plants. More information about the group can be found on http://www.mathbioleiden.nl

What we offer
Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. The University's challenging and international work environment is located just steps away from Leiden’s lively city centre or the bustling city centre of The Hague. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

All our PhD candidates are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science.

What we value
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.

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight way, click the application button.

Please ensure that you join to your application the following documents:

• A letter of motivation
• An updated CV
• The transcripts of your MSc studies
• A copy of (a draft of ) your Master’s thesis
• Contact details of 1 or 2 former supervisors
• Examples of previously written code

Applications received before July 15th, 2026 will be given full consideration.

Starting date Fall 2026, flexible.
Enquiries about the position can be made to Prof. dr. Roeland Merks, merksrmh@math.leidenuniv.nl

PhD Position: Biocatalytic depolymerization of new biopolymers

What you will do
This PhD Position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council). To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives. This project is part of the subprogramme that focusses on the closed loop recycling of the biopolymer products developed in ABEL.

This project is a good match if:

• you are interested in the expression, characterisation and engineering of biocatalysts for biopolymer degradation.
• you like working in a multidisciplinary and multisectoral team, both within the group and within the consortium, and
• you are interested in contributing to a Green future.

As a PhD student within the ABEL consortium and the University of Leiden, you will:

• Bring innovative biotechnological solutions to ensure recycling, preferably via upscaling, or biodegradation of biopolymers.
• Publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reports in collaboration with the project supervisor and others.
• Participate in ABEL consortium meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events, and actively contribute to knowledge exchange and impact activities.
• Support the supervision of BSc, MSc students and contribute to the teaching and academic life of the Macromolecular Biochemistry group at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry.

What you bring
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who:

• has a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Technology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related discipline
• has experience in cloning in microbiology and/or the expression, purification and characterisation of biocatalysts.
• has a strong interest in structure function relationship of enzymes, with proven excellent technical experimental skills and ability to work independently.
• has a good proficiency in (scientific) English, and excellent communication skills.
• feels comfortable working in a collaborative environment
• has strong capabilities in analytical thinking and data analysis.

What we offer
We offer a vibrant research environment within the labs of Lars Jeuken and Lennart Schada von Borzyskowski. The Jeuken lab is member of the Macromolecular Biochemistry group in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, with a shared biochemical lab headed by 8 group leaders. The Schada von Borzyskowski lab is situated in the Microbial Sciences cluster of the Institute of Biology Leiden.

We value ourselves on providing effective support to our PhD students, who work in a collaborative, transparent and inclusive work environment that inspires new knowledge.

This PhD position is available to start between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2027.

We also offer:

• An employment contract for the duration of one year, to be extended for 3 more years upon satisfactory performance. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
• A salary between €3059 - €3881 gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours) (PhD student);
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
• A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop and a mobile telephone.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions

Want to apply or find out more?
If you want to apply straight away, please click the application button.

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Lars Jeuken, at l.j.c.jeuken@lic.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until 12 juni 2026; You will receive a response to your application no later than two weeks after the vacancy closing date.

Where you will work
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities. Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Every year, Leiden University scores very well in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.

What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. Leiden University aims to be an inclusive community in which all students and staff members feel valued, respected, and have the freedom to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research mean inclusive education and research.

About the faculty and institute
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University 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 contribute 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 bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 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.

The research is embedded within the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) and the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), which have long-standing traditions of excellence in research. The LIC houses a state-of-the-art electrochemistry laboratory, excellent synthesis facilities, preparation and measurement facilities, unconventional nanofabrication equipment and experimental setups to measure ion transport, supported by outstanding mechanical and electronic workshops. The IBL houses extensive facilities for the growth and genetic engineering of microorganisms as well as equipment for protein purification and characterization, analytics (mass spectrometry, gas and liquid chromatography, etc.), and molecular biology. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.

You can find more information about the faculty of Science at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/about-faculty-of-science. For more information about working at Leiden university please visit https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.