PhD in Molecular Microbiology

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Applying is possible until: 1 februari 2026

The biotechnology sector plays a crucial role in improving quality of life worldwide, but many current bioproduction processes rely heavily on sugar‑rich feed stocks derived from crops that compete with food production. Developing sustainable alternatives is therefore a major scientific and societal challenge. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria offer a promising solution, as they use light and carbon dioxide to produce sugars, enabling more sustainable production routes.

To address this challenge, the Institute of Biology at Leiden University is seeking a PhD candidate for a project focused on engineering synthetic bacterial partnerships for renewable bioproduction
. This PhD project is part of a funded research programme aiming to develop stable synthetic consortia between cyanobacteria and actinomycetes for the sustainable production of bioactive compounds.

Are you eager to explore how synthetic microbial partnerships can transform industrial biotechnology?

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated PhD candidate to study the biology, evolution, and biochemistry of engineered cyanobacteria–actinomycete symbioses. The project integrates microbiology, synthetic biology, and evolutionary approaches, and contributes to the development of sustainable, photosynthesis‑driven production platforms for bioactive compounds.

The project builds on recent discoveries that certain cell wall‑deficient actinomycetes can internalize intact bacterial cells via an endocytosis‑like mechanism, opening the door to creating the first bacterial–bacterial synthetic endosymbiosis
. By combining metabolic cross‑feeding, genetic interdependencies, and guided laboratory evolution, the PhD candidate will investigate how stable symbiotic interactions can be established, optimised, and maintained over time.

• Design, construct, and maintain synthetic microbial consortia composed of cyanobacteria and actinomycetes for sustainable bioproduction
• Investigate the biological mechanisms underlying bacterial–bacterial symbiosis, including uptake, stability, and metabolic integration
• Characterise phenotypic, physiological, and biochemical properties of synthetic symbioses using microbiological and molecular approaches.
• Communicate research findings through scientific publications and public engagement activities
• Contribute to teaching activities, for example through supervision of BSc and MSc students.

The Faculty of Science 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 make a contribution 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 organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has almost 2,800 staff and over 6,000 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.

The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity‑driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions‑driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture, and increasing good health.

Our research focuses on four Research Themes:
Bioactive…