Scientific Researcher (30455)

Ghent University; Belgique; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18-month contract

Start January 2027

Extensive staff benefits

Job summary

Ghent University in Belgium invites a highly qualified researcher to join the NanoSensing Group in the Department of Chemistry to develop temperature‑monitoring nanothermometers for safer medical laser procedures.

You will synthesize nanosized luminescent thermometers, characterize materials by optical spectroscopy, build an optical fiber platform for thermal measurements, and perform ex vivo studies, reporting progress in scientific reports and meetings.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Bioengineering, Physics or related field.
• Practical experience in nanomaterial synthesis.
• Understanding of nanomaterial chemistry and synthesis–property relationships.
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, including near-IR.
• Ability to plan experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot and work independently.
• Excellent written and spoken English for scientific communication.

Responsibilities

• Performing, optimising and upscaling synthesis of nanosized luminescence thermometers.
• Characterising the synthesised materials using appropriate spectroscopic and analytical techniques, with emphasis on optical spectroscopy.
• Building an optical fiber based platform for thermal measurements.
• Ex vivo studies of the nanosized luminescence thermometers performance in porcine kidney.
• Processing and interpreting experimental data, documenting results, and presenting findings in scientific reports and project meetings.
• Contributing to the generation of experimental evidence and proof-of-concept demonstrations that may support future patent applications and IP development.

Skills

Nanomaterial synthesis

Nanomaterial chemistry

Near-IR spectroscopy

Experiment planning & data analysis

Independent working

English communication

Education

Master/PhD

Tools

Luminescence thermometry

Optical fiber sensing

Job description

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Chemistry » Other Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Other Physics » Other Technology » Nanotechnology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 4 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

→Faculty of Sciences
→Department:WE06 - Chemie
→Occupancy rate:100%
→Number of positions:1
→Type of employment:Contract of limited duration
→Term ofassignment:18 months
→Wage scale:WM1 to WM4 (master degree or doctoral degree)
→Required diploma:Master or PhD

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

This project focuses on the development of an innovative temperature-monitoring technology aimed at improving the safety of medical laser procedures. Although medical lasers are widely used in clinical applications, such as laser lithotripsy for kidney stone treatment, the heat generated during these procedures is not directly visible to the surgeon and may cause unintended tissue injury. The project aims to address this challenge by combining temperature-sensitive luminescent nanoparticles with fiber-optic sensing technology to enable real-time temperature monitoring directly at the treatment site, supporting safer and more informed clinical decision‑making.

The research will be primarily conducted within the NanoSensing Group at the Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, led by Prof. Anna Kaczmarek. The group has established international expertise in luminescent materials, nanotechnology, and optical sensing technologies, supported by multiple European Research Council (ERC) grants. Building on this expertise, this project aims to advance luminescence-based temperature sensing towards clinical implementation. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Thomas Tailly (Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital), ensuring a strong connection between technology development and clinical needs.

A central objective of the project is to translate promising academic research into a robust technology with practical applications and commercial potential. The position will therefore emphasize technology maturation, application‑driven research, and the achievement of key milestones supporting future industrial development and commercialization. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of academic research, clinical innovation, and technology transfer, contributing directly to the development of a new medical sensing technology.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Performing, optimising and upscaling synthesis of nanosized luminescence thermometers
• Characterising the synthesised materials using appropriate spectroscopic and analytical techniques, with particular emphasis on optical spectroscopy.
• Buidling an optical fiber based platform for thermal measurements
• Ex vivo studies of the nanosized luminescence thermometers performance in porcine kidney
• Processing and interpreting experimental data, documenting results, and presenting findings in scientific reports and project meetings.
• Contributing to the generation of experimental evidence and proof‑of‑concept demonstrations that may support future patent applications and the development of intellectual property.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The candidate should hold a Master's or PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Bioingeneering, Physics, or a related field.

The following skills and competencies are required:

• Practical experience in nanomaterial synthesis
• A sound understanding of nanomaterial chemistry and the relationship between synthesis conditions, material structure, and optoelectronic properties.
• A sound understanding of nanomaterial use for medical application
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, also in the near‑infrared spectral range.
• The ability to plan experiments, analyse and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot synthetic procedures, and work independently.
• Good written and spoken English, sufficient for scientific communication, reporting, and collaboration within an international research environment.

Experience with luminescence thermometry is highly desirable. Additional experience working with optical fibers and in biologically mimicked systems would be an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 18 months and can be renewed.
• Your contract will start on January 1, 2027 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full‑time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.