Postdoc in the field of biomolecular condensates

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Leiden University’s Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in biomolecular condensates, based in the Mashaghi lab at LACDR. You will develop innovative biophysical assays to study condensate formation and high‑resolution reactions inside condensate droplets, with implications for genome instability and metabolic diseases. Responsibilities include establishing the research line, designing and analyzing experiments, collaborating with an industry partner, delivering grant milestones, writing manuscripts, contributing to teaching, and supervising BSc to PhD students. The ideal candidate has a PhD in science or engineering with strong life sciences credentials, a solid publication record, good English, and teamwork. 0.8–1.0 FTE for one year with possible renewal; salary €3,546–€5,538 gross monthly, plus benefits. Apply online with cover letter, detailed CV, and three references by February 8, 2026; start March 1, 2026. For inquiries contact Assoc. Prof. Alireza Mashaghi.

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Teaser Text

The Faculty of Science, the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is looking for a:

 
Postdoc in the field of biomolecular condensates 

What you will do

The postdoctoral researcher will develop innovative biophysical assays to study the formation of biomolecular condensates and to monitor biochemical reactions within condensate droplets at high resolution. This research will provide insights into condensate mechanochemistry as well as disease-relevant processes in condensed phases, including genome instability and metabolic diseases.

The responsibilities of the position include:

• Establish the aforementioned research line 
• Design and perform investigations and data analysis
• Working closely with the industry partner involved in the project
• Contributing to grant deliverables, presentations, and reporting
• Write high quality scientific manuscripts
• Contribute to our education program
• Train BSc, MSc and PhD students and supervise their research 
• Contribute to grant writing activities

What you bring

The ideal candidate should fulfill (most of) the following criteria: 

 

• An academic degree (PhD) in science or engineering with excellent records in life sciences or related areas.
• Experience with biomolecular condensates is a plus.  
• Decent publication record including first author publications.
• Good written and verbal English communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to successfully work and get things done in teams

Where you will work

The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a leading institute dedicated to world-class research and education in drug discovery and development. LACDR comprises a diverse and international team of approximately 150 researchers and is ideally located at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life science cluster in The Netherlands. The Mashaghi lab (Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering Group) is involved in interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, engineering and biomedicine. We enjoy developing highly innovative approaches to high-impact questions, working with advanced technologies and writing compelling publications. The lab is equipped with various force methods, including a dual trap optical tweezers, scanning probe microscope, and acoustic force spectroscopy, as well as computing facility for molecular modeling, which enable studying folding dynamics of complex proteins in isolation or within a condensate environment. 

For more information, see: https://www.mashaghilab.org  and

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research/systems-pharmacology/medical-systems-biophysics-and-bioengineering

 

Our Faculty’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of science, ranging from Mathematics and Statistical science, Computer science and Data science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical science to Biology and Environmental sciences. Our faculty members are inspired by a fascination with the unknown and the urge to enlarge our fundamental knowledge. At the same time, they want to contribute to solutions for the big societal issues of tomorrow. For more information, see http://www.science.leidenuniv.nl. and http://workingat.leiden.edu/

Furthermore, the project is a collaboration with groups at Leiden University Medical Centre that are expert in muscle biology and structural biology. As such the postdoc is expected to be able to work efficiently within a multi-disciplinary team. 

What we offer

We offer a one-year term position (0.8-1.0 FTE), with the possibility of renewal for up to three more years depending on the availability of funding and the performance. Salary ranges from € 3.546,-- to € 5.538,-- gross per month  (pay scale 10, depending on experience), in accordance with the Collective Labour 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 and sabbatical leave. 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.

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

What we find important

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 and respected, and are able to develop to their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High-quality education and research means inclusive education and research.

Want to apply or find out more?

Information

Inquiries can be made to Assoc. Prof. Alireza Mashaghi ([email protected]).

Questions about the procedure, please contact Eric Bang ([email protected]).

 

Applications

To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button in our application system.

Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation, background, and qualifications for the position;
• A detailed CV (including a list of publications);
• Contact information of three references;

 

Only applications received before February 8, 2026, will be considered. The start date for the postdoctoral appointment will be March 1, 2026, or shortly thereafter

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