PhD position in molecular imaging or microbial infections

Job 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.

Requirements

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.

Employer

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.

Additional information

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Wiktor Szymański (Full Professor): w.c.szymanski@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Wiktor Szymański (Full Professor): w.c.szymanski@rug.nl