Vacancy number: 16557
Job type: PhD positions
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 40
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible until: 30 juni 2026
A PhD position in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, the group of Grégory Schneider.
Disciplines: Graphene and 2D materials, Graphene sensors, Nanophysics, Nanopore fabrication, Molecular Breakjunctions, Nanofabrication.
What you will do
The PhD project aims at fabricating and characterizing graphene edge sensors for single molecule detection and biopolymer sequencing. Nanofabrication of such devices will require the development of techniques that integrate nanofluidics with nanoelectronics, where the candidate previous experience in these field is an asset.
The PhD student will be supervised jointly by Grégory Schneider (Leiden Institute of Chemistry) and Jan van Ruitenbeek (Leiden Institute of Physics).
About the research project
DNA sequencing has become a widely accessible and affordable technology. Yet, the development has currently slowed down, and wider applications require further advances. Now, with the added goals of sequencing proteins and polysaccharides, current state-of-the-art single molecule sensors, that obtain information indirectly by measuring the ionic current of molecular ions through nanopores, cannot discriminate between moieties of similar molecular size (for instance, amino acids in proteins, or monosaccharides in glycans). The most advanced nanopore sensors can ‘read’ DNA polymers at the level of stretches of three nucleotides, but not at the level of a single nucleotide. True base-by-base DNA sequencing would be possible with a material of a thickness comparable to the size of a nucleotide, and that allows direct transverse electrical readout. In this project, we will use graphene as transverse electrodes to identify, characterize, and sequence single molecules that are similar in size yet of a different chemical composition. The use of graphene also inherently proposes a solid-state alternative to biopores. We will leverage the outstanding electrical, chemical and mechanical properties of monolayer graphene to create atomically thin readout electrodes embedded in a nanofluidic channel. Single nucleotides within DNA strands that are passed through such devices will be sequentially trapped between two graphene contact electrodes thanks to well-defined, chemically modified edges that are introduced onto the contacts. The contacts, thus bridged by a nucleotide, will yield a tunneling current uniquely characteristic for the trapped nucleotide. Of paramount importance for reaching the project objectives is the appropriate functionalization of the graphene edges. Importantly, the device architecture will be scalable and tunable by unique chemistries that allow the generation of functional graphene edges, thus creating sensors with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity.
More information
Cheaper, more accurate DNA sequencing - Leiden University
The Schneider Research Group | Laboratory for 2D materials, graphene chemistry and bionanotechnology
Jan van Ruitenbeek - Leiden University
Grégory Schneider - Leiden University
What you bring
The candidate should have a documented expertise in nanofabrication, nanoscience, low current device electronics, graphene or 2D materials devices. 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. Our lab supports diversity, access, and inclusion in all its forms. 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.
Applications are invited from outstanding graduates holding an MSc degree in Chemical Nanoscience, Biophysics, Nanofabrication, Solid-state Physics, Physical Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience, or Nanotechnology, with experience during the master internships in one of the fields mentioned above.
Candidates should have
- Prior experience in experimental work and preferably have co-authored one or more publications;
- High motivation for research and have an interest in theory;
- Talent to manage their time and progress as the work requires a high level of independence;
- Excellent command of written and spoken English;
- A strong teamwork mentality.
What we offer
The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as supervision of BSc and MSc research projects that contribute to the goals of this PhD project.
We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, and a competitive salary.
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; 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
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.
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.
About Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) and Leiden Institute of Physics (LION)
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.
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.
Want to apply or find out more?
Are you enthusiastic about this vacancy? We are looking forward to getting to know you. 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 500 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 Master and Bachelor thesis
- Contact details of two references
- Applications should be submitted as pdf files.
Interested candidates can respond until June 30th, 2026 using the application button below.
If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Amber Vermunt, at [email protected]. You can apply until 30 juni 2026; You will receive a response to your application in the month 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
