Vacancy number: 16804
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible up to and including: 15 september 2026
The postdoc project aims at fabricating graphene edge sensors for single molecule detection and biopolymer sequencing. The device architecture will be scalable and tunable by combining unique chemistry and physics techniques.
What you will do
You will work in a small team, including one or more PhD students, towards the goal of designing, analyzing and testing novel device structures that exploit electron tunneling between the edges of graphene electrodes, with the goal of distinguishing individual molecules, or individual molecular building blocks. The work will involve the following elements:
- Design and optimization of graphene edge to edge tunning device structures, and electronic signal detection.
- Design and test of microfluidic structures in combination with the tunneling device.
- Taking the lead in publishing scientific papers and/or patent applications.
- A small contribution to teaching is optional.
Where you will work
The research is jointly run by the Leiden Institute of Chemistry and the Leiden Institute of Physics, with their long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from state-of-the-art preparation and measurement facilities, low-vibration lab space will be available in our ultramicroscopy hall, and experimental groups are (at no charge) supported by excellent mechanical and electronic workshops. 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.
In recent years, the faculty has experienced significant growth and now has more than 2,300 staff members and approximately 5,700 students. We are located in the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together. Working at our faculty means being part of a dynamic, international environment where both staff and students are driven by curiosity—not only to expand fundamental knowledge for the sake of science but also to contribute to solving the major societal challenges of tomorrow.
What you bring
The candidate should have a documented expertise in nanofabrication, nanoscience, low current device electronics, or 2D materials (graphene) devices, as evidenced by several scientific publications. An asset would be to have demonstrated experience with tunneling devices, particularly in liquid. You will work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a multi-national team of PhDs, MScs, and professional staff. We strive to create a safe environment that supports personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and stewardship. We collaborate widely with local and international labs, and are strongly driven to translate our research into societal impacts through working together with industry.
In this team, we are looking for someone who can work independently. Every job is different, so in the beginning we will devote attention to your onboarding. If some of the work activities are new to you, we will look together at what you need, and draw up a development plan. This position is a good fit for you if you recognise yourself in the following:
- Prior experience in experimental work and have co-authored three or more publications as first author.
- High level of motivation for fundamental research with an application perspective.
- Talent to manage time and progress, as the work requires a high level of independence.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Strong ability and motivation to work in a team.
We welcome applications from researchers holding a PhD degree in Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience or Nanotechnology, or Electrical engineering. Experience is required in one or more of the fields listed above, gained in academic research projects.
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.
The position will be for a maximum of 2 years. The responsibilities of the candidate are mainly focused on the research project, but taking part in teaching can be included in the tasks, when desired by the candidate. Supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD research projects that contribute to the goals of the research program forms part of the work.
We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive salary.
We also offer:
- We offer a full-time position, initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities, and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by a second year. Salary range from €3.546 to €5.538 gross per month (pay scale 10 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. 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.
- 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.
For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
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?
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. Please submit your application online using 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
- Curriculum vitae
- A short 1000 words-to-one-page description of what you think a new research line could be within this project
- Copies of transcripts of degrees obtained
- Copy of the PhD thesis
- Contact details of two references
Applications should be submitted as pdf files.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Jan van Ruitenbeek, at [email protected]. You can apply until September 15, 2026. You will receive a response to your application no later than two weeks after the vacancy closing date.
To help us get to know each other better, we follow a number of steps in the application procedure. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
- In choosing between candidates, in case of equal suitability, preference will be given to internal candidates, women, the occupationally disabled and employees with a migration background.
- You live and are officially registered as resident in The Netherlands or are willing to relocate upon starting the position.
- A pre-employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.
- We ensure that our lecturers have a good level of English competency. Lectures who teach subjects in English have a minimum level of C1 for their English proficiency. We also believe it is important for international staff to have a good level of Dutch: they are expected to have at least C1 level of Dutch proficiency. Other staff who have the prospect of a permanent position are expected to have at least a passive understanding of Dutch.
- Leiden University expects faculty members to obtain the Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO). If the new employee does not yet hold this qualification or its equivalent, they must be willing to obtain it within two years.
- Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. If you nevertheless choose to send us CVs, no rights can be derived from this. #LI-Hybrid
