PhD Position in Peptide Formulations

Pushing the boundaries of peptide formulations, you will design and analyse next‑generation functional peptide systems using advanced synthesis, automation and data‑driven workflows at Radboud University’s interdisciplinary Robotlab.

Peptide-based systems are emerging as versatile building blocks for next-generation therapeutic modalities and bio-based materials. While the accessible space of possible peptide sequences and formulation protocols is vast, only a small fraction yields systems with favourable formulation and functional properties. The rise of automation and advanced data analysis methods promises to make targeted navigation of this large space possible.

In this project, you will work at the frontier of peptide science, focusing on the formulation and characterisation of functional peptide systems that have relevance as, for instance, emerging therapeutic modalities or bio-based surfactants. Using advanced peptide synthesis and automated analytical techniques, you will explore how molecular design, formulation strategies and environmental parameters shape the structure–function relationships of these peptide-based bio-actives and materials. Automation and standardised data analysis workflows will support robust interpretation and comparison across complex experimental datasets.

In close collaboration with experts in data science and machine learning, you will produce results that should lead to the development of data-driven frameworks that guide our understanding of next-generation peptide systems. These insights will be validated experimentally, enabling iterative refinement and opening pathways toward innovative biomedical applications, including delivery platforms and regenerative therapies. The project is inherently exploratory, with scope to evolve as new scientific opportunities and technological directions emerge.

The project is embedded within the interdisciplinary Robotlab at Radboud University, offering a highly collaborative research environment. To support your scientific development, you will have access to a personal budget to initiate joint activities with Robotlab partners across the Netherlands. You will disseminate your work through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences and workshops. In addition, you will spend up to 10% of your working time contributing to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. You will also have opportunities for further professional and academic training.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. 

Does this sound like you?

• You are about to graduate or have recently graduated with a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular life sciences or a similar degree, and you have a particular interest in complex molecular systems and understanding them from both experimental and computational angles.
• You have experience in physical organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry or systems chemistry, specifically peptide chemistry, and analysis of peptide-based materials.
• Ideally, you have experience in or are eager to learn programming skills, preferably Python. Experience or affinity with machine learning or computational statistics is a plus.
• You know how to drive your project forward, and you are happy to support others in their work.
• You flourish in a team-centred, multicultural and international environment and you can communicate your work clearly to diverse scientific colleagues.
• You are comfortable communicating in English, both written and verbally.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

You will be working at the Mabesoone lab in the Department of Physical Organic Chemistry as part of the Big Chemistry Robotlab team. We are a team of chemists, computer scientists and engineers that integrate robotics and AI into chemistry. Our group is embedded within the larger Big Chemistry National Growth Fund, a consortium consisting of research groups at Radboud University, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Groningen, AMOLF, and Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Mathijs Mabesoone. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Friday 12 June. Any second interview will take place on Monday 22 June. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.

We can imagine you’re curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.