PhD position in molecular imaging of microbial infections

University of Groningen; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Groningen invites a PhD candidate to join a cutting-edge imaging project focusing on Gram-positive and expanding to Gram-negative infections. The PhD student will design, synthesize, and evaluate new imaging agents, studying their photochemical behavior and supporting their evaluation in biological models within a collaborative European setting.

The project is part of Ubbo Emius-funded HTRIC consortium, training the next generation of scientists in biomedical applications, with

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in (Synthetic) Organic Chemistry or Pharmacy or equivalent.
• Strong experimental background in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience or interest in photochemistry/photopharmacology is a plus.
• Willingness to work on culturing and analyzing bacteria/fungi.
• Analytical and creative thinking with a collaborative mindset.
• Excellent English communication, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and evaluate new imaging agents for in vivo/biological contexts.
• Study photochemical behavior of tracers and evaluate in biological models.
• Collaborate with PIs and a multidisciplinary team across Europe.
• Contribute to translational aspects within an imaging/biomedicine context.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

English fluency

Team collaboration

Education

M.Sc. in (Synthetic) Organic Chemistry or Pharmacy

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 7 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 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

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.

What are you going to do?

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.

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.

Additional Information

What can you expect from us?

• 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.

Selection process

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you?

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 .

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Additional comments

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