Research Scientist - Microbiology

You will lead the biological development of our antimicrobial nanocarriers. You will have real ownership over this side of the platform from day one, shaping our biological strategy rather than executing on an established one. You investigate how bacteria interact with our nanocarriers. You bring broad knowledge of bacterial infections, antimicrobial therapies, the use of antibiotics against a range of pathogens, and you help guide which antibiotics and antimicrobial agents we prioritize for the platform.

• Investigate how bacteria interact with our nanocarriers.
• Design and run experiments with our chemistry team to establish new nanocarrier design rules.
• Apply broad knowledge of antimicrobial therapies and antibiotic activity across pathogens to guide platform development.
• Translate microbiological data into directions for new nanocarrier designs, improving uptake, efficacy, and selectivity.
• Run MIC assays, mechanism‑of‑action studies, and time‑kill kinetics assays.
• Perform basic toxicology testing.
• Set up and run PK/PD studies.

• Strong background in microbiology, with PhD or 4+ years of industry experience.
• Hands‑on experience with MIC assays, mechanism‑of‑action studies, and time‑kill kinetics.
• Ability to perform basic toxicology testing and set up PK/PD studies.
• In‑silico expertise is a plus.
• Curiosity about the fundamental biology of bacteria and nanomaterials, with a drive to translate research into therapeutic impact.
• Comfortable building a function largely from scratch and setting direction rather than following an established playbook.
• Enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and collaborating closely with chemists to shape platform design.

• A competitive salary commensurate with experience and aligned with the stage of a fast‑growing biotech.
• Opportunity to earn stock options over time, giving you a meaningful stake in the Gateway Bio’s success.
• The chance to help build a platform from an early, foundational stage, with real influence over its scientific and technical direction.
• Direct collaboration with our founding team, including direct work with our CTO.
• A role based in Leiden, at the heart of the Dutch life sciences ecosystem.
• Room to grow scientifically and professionally as the company and team expand.
• Ownership over your work, and real responsibility from day one.
• The opportunity to see your research translated into technologies with real clinical impact.

Leiden based, but first month will be Enschede based. Housing will be aligned during discussions.