Leiden University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on circadian clocks in bacterial biofilms. Based at the Institute of Biology Leiden within the Faculty of Science, this four-year doctoral project is part of an ambitious ERC-funded research program called MicroClock. The position offers a rare opportunity to work at the frontier of chronomicrobiology, an emerging field that combines microbiology and chronobiology to understand how bacterial systems track time. Applications are open until 12 June 2026.
This doctoral position offers several compelling advantages: Fully funded four-year PhD in the Netherlands ERC-funded cutting-edge research project Work on a newly discovered bacterial circadian clock International collaborations with top research institutions Advanced training in microscopy and optogenetics Strong salary and employee benefits Excellent work-life balance in a leading European research environment.
The PhD position on circadian clocks in bacterial biofilms at Leiden University is a distinctive opportunity to join an ERC-funded project at the forefront of microbiology and chronobiology. For candidates with strong experimental skills and a curiosity about how bacteria organize behavior across time, this doctoral project offers exceptional scientific potential, international collaboration, and a supportive academic environment in one of Europe’s leading life sciences centers.
PhD Project Overview: Circadian Regulation in Bacillus subtilis Biofilms
The successful candidate will join an international team investigating one of the most exciting recent discoveries in microbiology: the identification of a circadian clock in the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis.
The project will focus on uncovering how circadian rhythms influence gene expression during biofilm development. Specifically, the PhD researcher will study spatio-temporal gene expression patterns in bacterial communities using advanced experimental tools.
Core Research Techniques
The project integrates several high-impact methodologies, including:
- Molecular biology
- Genetic engineering
- Microbial optogenetics
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Biofilm imaging
- Circadian data analysis
This interdisciplinary work aims to reveal how bacterial cells coordinate behavior across time and space.
What Is Chronomicrobiology?
Chronomicrobiology explores how microorganisms exhibit biological rhythms and internal timekeeping mechanisms.
Until recently, circadian clocks were primarily associated with plants, animals, and cyanobacteria. The discovery of a circadian system in Bacillus subtilis opens a new research direction with implications for:
- Microbial ecology
- Evolutionary biology
- Biotechnology
- Host–microbe interactions
- Synthetic biology
The MicroClock project places Leiden University at the forefront of this emerging scientific field.
International Research Collaboration
The PhD candidate will collaborate with leading scientists at:
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- John Innes Centre
This international network provides access to complementary expertise in chronobiology, microbiology, and advanced imaging technologies.
Why Choose Leiden University?
Leiden University is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected research universities. Its Faculty of Science hosts nearly 2,800 staff members and more than 6,000 students across disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental sciences.
The university is located in the Leiden Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest life sciences hubs where academic and industrial research thrive side by side.
The Institute of Biology Leiden is internationally recognized for research on biodiversity, health, biotechnology, and host–microbe interactions.
Candidate Profile
Leiden University is seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in molecular microbiology.
Essential Qualifications
- Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field
- Experience with genetic engineering in bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis
- Hands-on expertise in fluorescence microscopy
- Knowledge of microbial biofilms
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to work effectively in an international research team
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in microbial optogenetics
- Interest in circadian biology and chronobiology
- Background in microbial ecology or evolutionary theory
- Willingness to travel internationally for collaborations and conferences
Salary and Employment Conditions
The PhD appointment starts with a one-year contract that is extended to a total of four years upon satisfactory performance.
Gross Monthly Salary (Full-Time, 38 Hours per Week)
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| 1 | €2,901 |
| 2 | Incremental increase according to Dutch university pay scale |
| 3 | Incremental increase according to Dutch university pay scale |
| 4 | €3,707 |
Additional Benefits
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- Pension contributions
- Extensive training and career development
- Sabbatical and leave options
- Dual career support for partners
- Potential 30% tax ruling for eligible international candidates
Research Environment and Work-Life Balance
The project is embedded in a productive and collaborative academic environment that places strong emphasis on:
- Scientific creativity
- Interdisciplinary research
- International collaboration
- Personal development
- Healthy work-life balance
This combination makes Leiden University particularly attractive for doctoral researchers seeking both scientific excellence and a supportive workplace culture.
Application Deadline
12 June 2026 & Only applications submitted before this deadline will be considered. This PhD opportunity is an excellent fit for candidates interested in:
- Synthetic biology
- Microbiology PhD positions in Europe
- Chronobiology and circadian rhythms
- Biofilm research
- Optogenetics
- Molecular genetics
- Systems biology
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload the following materials through Leiden University’s online application portal:
- Motivation letter (maximum two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree certificate and other relevant certificates
- Contact details of two referees
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via APPLY NOW using vacancy number 16578.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position includes a full-time salary for four years under the Dutch university collective labor agreement.
What is chronomicrobiology?
Chronomicrobiology is an emerging discipline that studies biological timing mechanisms in microorganisms.
Which organism will be studied?
The project focuses on Bacillus subtilis, a widely used bacterial model organism.
Do I need prior experience in optogenetics?
Experience in microbial optogenetics is highly desirable, but strong molecular microbiology skills are the most important requirement.
Is international collaboration part of the project?
Yes. The project includes collaborations with Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and John Innes Centre.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 12 June 2026.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Leiden University welcomes applications from candidates around the world.
Is there support for international researchers?
Yes. Benefits may include dual-career support and eligibility for the Dutch 30% tax ruling.
What is the weekly workload?
The appointment is full-time, 38 hours per week.
Where is the position located?
The PhD position is based in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Discover more from Agristok
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.