Join the LSRI programme BioBeyond_NL. Bring your expertise in chemical biology, bioorganic chemistry, synthetic chemistry and passion for developing new molecular tools to study biomolecular interactions in a system-wide manner, Postdoc Position in Chemical Biology
Postdoc Position in Chemical Biology
Molecules in our body constantly make interactions. This is an essential process for life. When a cell is at a diseased state, the interaction landscape can drastically change. We develop chemical tools to investigate these interactions to understand health and disease. The project will focus on advancing approaches in deciphering biomolecule interactions, chemical proteomics, glycoproteomics, or glycomics, with particular emphasis on uncovering spatiotemporal molecular mechanisms in biologically relevant contexts.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher you will will contribute to the design and application of innovative chemical strategies, including crosslinking, proximity labeling, and biocompatible photocatalysis for method development and fundamental discovery. Key tasks in the lab include organic synthesis, compound characterization, biochemical assays, cell-based assays and MS-based(glyco)proteomics analysis.
You will be supervised by Dr. Zeshi Li
at the Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery division at Utrecht University. Through BioBeyond_NL you will have access to a highly collaborative environment with both synthetic chemistry laboratories (Prof. Geert-Jan Boons
external link) and state-of-the-art mass spectrometry infrastructure (Prof. Albert Heck external link and Dr. Kelly Stecker external link) at the Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics (BMSP) division
Your qualities
You are a researcher who is excited by fundamental research, method development, and interdisciplinary science at the chemistry–biology interface. Next to that you meet the following criteria:
- A PhD in Chemical Biology, Bioorganic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, or related field.
- Expertise in organic synthsis, compound characterization, biochemical assays, and cell-based assays.
- Prior experience with or affinity for MS-based proteomics is highly desirable.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
Our offer
- a position for one year, with an extension of two additional years upon a positive evaluation;
- a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
- 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
- a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.
About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.
Working at the Faculty of Science
means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.
You will join the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), the research institute of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and be part of the division of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery. You will work in close collaboration with the division of Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics.
More information
For more information, please contact Dr. Zeshi Li (Jack) at z.li@uu.nl.
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.
Apply now
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the “Apply now” button! Please enclose:
- your letter of motivation;
- your Curriculum vitae;
- the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;
- a copy of your PhD certificate, or a letter from your university stating when your defence will take place.
If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
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The application deadline is 14 May 2026.
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