European Union Doctoral Network StraDiVarious: Microfluidic devices to study microbe-host cell [...]

Eluceda; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK is offering a full-time PhD position focused on developing next-generation diagnostic tools using novel upconverting nanoparticles. The role involves synthesizing and characterizing nanoparticles and testing innovative detection systems. Ideal candidates will have a Master's in Chemistry or related field and relevant experience is preferred. The program includes international secondments to prestigious institutions, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in applied science.

Qualifications

• Experience in nanoparticle synthesis or protein biochemistry is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Explore applications of novel upconverting nanoparticles for diagnostic tools.
• Evaluate assay performance including sensitivity and specificity.
• Design and test optical detection systems to track binding events.

Skills

Nanoparticle synthesis

Protein biochemistry

Optical detection

Interpersonal and communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company Eluceda Department R&D Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 6 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Job Status Extra Information Duration: 3 years Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

StraDiVarious (Strains, Diagnostics and Variants) ( www.stradivarious.eu ) is a European-wide intersectoral doctoral training network focussed on focus on emerging bacterial threats – specifically the ESKAPE pathogens ( Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp ). Our goal is to make a difference in the development of next-generation strain-specific rapid diagnostics, and to help find potential drug/vaccine targets.
Project description

This project will explore how novel upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) can be used to detect and measure the binding of bacterial virulence factors. Unlike traditional fluorescent dyes, UCNPs are highly stable, resist photobleaching, and operate in the near-infrared range - allowing deeper tissue penetration for more reliable detection. These properties make them ideal for developing next-generation diagnostic tools.

You will gain hands‑on experience in nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation, surface functionalisation with biomolecules, and the design of simple optical detection systems to track binding events. As the project progresses, you will evaluate assay performance (sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection) and test rapid-readout formats, including fluidic flow-cell systems that provide real‑time binding data.

The project also includes international secondments: at Lund University, you’ll explore applications in tissue organoid/spheroid models, while at Selex in the Netherlands, you’ll g ain experience on translating technologies into real-world diagnostic settings.

Although you will be working at Eluceda in the UK you will be admitted to the PhD programme at Frankfurt University must fulfil requirements listed here: Goethe-Universität — Doctorate . In addition, the ideal candidate must be a curious and motivated researcher with a masters degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. Experience in nanoparticle synthesis, protein biochemistry, or optical detection is an advantage, but above all, you should be excited by applied science and the chance to help develop innovative diagnostic technologies.

We are an international team of researchers, physicians, technicians, and students from various scientific and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, our colleagues must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and the capacity to work independently on complex projects from planning and execution to presenting results and scientific writing.

How To Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application: full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the StraDiVarious website: www.stradivarious.eu . We encourage students to to up to three different positions in the doctoral network.

Your application formmustbe accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications may not be considered.If you have queries regarding making an application, please contact the StraDiVarious team at [e-mail]

Equality, Diversity and Accessibility

Equality, diversity and accessibility are fundamental values at both Eluceda and Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. The full Equality, diversity and accessibility information can be at Goethe-Universität — Diversity Policies

Funding Notes

This is a three-year European Doctoral Network training position, open to qualified applicants from around the world without preconditions.