PhD position in molecular imaging of microbial infections

RUG; Groningen; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Groningen invites applications for a four-year PhD position in molecular imaging of microbial infections. You will design and synthesize novel imaging agents, study their photochemical behavior, and support evaluation in biological models, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team across Europe.

The role is part of the HTRIC×UEF consortium, with a strong emphasis on translational biomedical imaging and time-resolved structural biology. Excellent English skills required.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in (Synthetic) Organic Chemistry or Pharmacy or equivalent.
• Strong experimental background in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Research experience in photochemistry and/or photopharmacology is a strong asset.
• Interest in culturing and analyzing bacteria and fungi.
• Ability to think analytically and creatively.
• High motivation for pursuing academic research.
• Ability to work in an international team and collaborate with several research centers in Europe.
• Integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communication skills.
• Fluent proficiency in English – written and oral; evidence of competency if not native.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and evaluate new imaging agents; study their photochemical behavior; support evaluation in biological models.
• Collaborate with PIs and team with chemistry, photochemistry, clinical microbiology and imaging expertise.
• Contribute to the HTRIC×UEF consortium and related interdisciplinary activities.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Photochemistry

Photopharmacology

Bacteria and fungi culturing

Analytical thinking

Academic research motivation

International collaboration

Communication skills

English fluency

Education

M.Sc in (Synthetic) Organic Chemistry or Pharmacy

Job description

PhD position in molecular imaging of microbial infections

With the recent introduction of the Vanco-800CW optical tracer and the Vanco-PQ-[18F]VE PET tracer, and their ongoing (pre)clinical translation, Groningen is taking the lead in imaging of Gram-positive infections. This PhD project will focus on expanding this initiative to the imaging of other clinically-relevant infections: with Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

This project is a part of an Ubbo Emius-funded HTRIC consortium aimed at training the next generation of scientists in biomedical applications, bringing together specialists from chemistry, imaging, cancer biology, and physics to lay the foundation for imaging-guided pharmacotherapy.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

PhD position in molecular imaging of microbial infections

The PhD student will design, synthesize and evaluate new imaging agents, study their photochemical behavior, and support their evaluation in biological models. They will be supported by a team, including PIs (Szymanski / van Dijl) with expertise in chemistry, photochemistry, clinical microbiology and imaging, and an ecosystem of colleagues with additional expertise in quantum calculations and photopharmacology. The broader HTRICxUEF consortium provides additional expertise in the use of high-energy radiation, nanomedical drug release, and other types of medical imaging.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Who are you?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate with

• a M.Sc. degree in (Synthetic) Organic Chemistry or Pharmacy or an equivalent certification.
• strong experimental background in synthetic organic chemistry.
• research experience in the field of photochemistry and/or photopharmacology will be seen as a strong asset.
• Interest in and willingness to expand the expertise towards culturing and analyzing bacteria and fungi.
• capacity to think analytically and creatively.
• high motivation in pursuing academic research.
• ability to work in an international team and collaborate with several research centers in Europe in a streamlined and professional way.
• an integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communicative and social skills.
• fluent proficiency in English – written and oral. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see University of Groningen’s English Language Requirements for details.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus)gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204 up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.A temporary full-time (1.0 FTE) position for one year at first with the option of renewal for another three years.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 35,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a 4-years PhD position is available at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Photopharmacology and Imaging at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy. The Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) of the University of Groningen and collaborates closely with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). The pharmaceutical and medical research within GRIP and the UMCG is very multidisciplinary. This project aims to develop light-activation processes for the emerging field of time-resolved structural biology, fitting perfectly into the fundamental and applied work performed in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Photopharmacology and Imaging at GRIP.

This position is part of the HTRIC × Ubbo Emmius Foundation (UEF) program, which supports interdisciplinary research in four key areas of health technology: molecular diagnostics, medical imaging, precision medicine, and smart medical materials. Health Technology Research and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC) is a collaboration between the University of Groningen, UMCG, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden, and Life Cooperative. HTRIC brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry to develop innovative medical technologies that make healthcare more effective and accessible.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about your application process?

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy .

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.