PhD researcher

Job description

The specificity and sensitivity of bacterial infection probes or tracers for use in various clinical settings rely on a multitude of factors. Therefore, validating infection tracers is essential not only towards pathogens but also against associated inflammation. Additionally, the sensitivity of these probes is influenced by their local availability, transport, and accumulation at the infection site.
To address these challenges, we will develop a comprehensive validation methodology that will serve as a testing platform for the development of fluorescent tracers. It incorporates a sophisticated in vitro 3D-bioprinted tissue mimic and a lab-on-a-chip platform. Both setups should provide a fast and accessible means to evaluate probe sensitivity and specificity. This model will incorporate, e.g., macrophages and fibroblasts and utilize confocal imaging, two-photon and Raman microscopy to visualize and quantify probe sensitivity in an environment that mimics infected and inflamed tissue.
As a complementary approach, we may apply a comprehensive animal model to offer an even more realistic environment for probe validation.

Working enviroment

At the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) a PhD position is available to join a large consortium of scientists of the Health Technology Research and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC, www.htric.nl), that will develop, evaluate and validate tracers for infection diagnosis to be translated to the clinic. This project is funded by the Ubbo Emmius Fund (UEF).

The Ubbo Emmius Fund supports groundbreaking scientific research and talent development at the University of Groningen. Thanks to the generous contributions from engaged alumni and donors, the fund is committed to a better future by bridging the gap between science and society.
With the granted fund, UEF empowers HTRIC to advance medical innovations, focusing on sepsis diagnosis, active therapy, body infections, and the application of smart materials. This approach facilitates rapid identification of complications, like infections and related sepsis and allows for effective monitoring of patient conditions. This collaborative cluster unites medical doctors, technicians, and companies, playing a vital role in the regional goal of establishing the Northern Netherlands as a leading hub for health technology. Currently, all medical professionals, technologists, and medical experts are actively engaged with HTRIC.

More information about the projects and the mission of the Ubbo Emmius Fund can be found at www.uef.nl.

What we need?

The PhD will be part of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research group of Prof. Santos and Prof. van Dijl, and will work in close collaboration with several other departments of the UMCG and RUG. The candidate has the following main qualifications:

• has a European Master’s degree (or equivalent) in medicine, (micro)biology, biomedical sciences, pharmacy, or similar.
• is motivated and able to work in a multidisciplinary and international work environment.
• has good communication skills in both oral and written English.

and will have the following tasks and responsibilities, to:

• develop or improve in vitro mixed cell models (3D-bioprinted or lab-on-a-chip) for studying and evaluating infection tracers.
• develop image analysis tools to quantify bacterial presence in the models to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the probes.
• develop histology and immune histochemistry techniques to validate the imaging data.
• apply immune assays to analyse cytokine and signaling molecules in the developed models
• apply these techniques to the validation of various probes developed by HTRIC.

If you are interested in joining our team, or have any questions, please contact Dr. Ir. J. Sjollema, Prof. Dr. J.M. van Dijl or Prof. Dr. Hélder Santos (for contact details see below).

What do we offer

We offer 1 fulltime PhD position within the Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology (BBT/UMCG). The position is for four years. However, you will get a fulltime contract for 1 year, which will be extended for 3 years after positive evaluation. Extension of the contract will be based on sufficient progress and the expectation of a successful completion of the Ph.D. project. The salary will be € 3.108,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3.939,- (scale PRO, from 01-07-2025) gross per month in the 4th year, based on a full-time appointment.

In addition, the UMCG offers 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centers (CAO-UMC). The site of your research will be the Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology (BBT/UMCG) with excellent guidance and facilities for scientific staff.The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Links and contact info
More information about the laboratories of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology, and Medical Microbiology see https://umcgresearch.org/w/biomaterials-and-biomedical-technology and https://umcgresearch.org/w/medical-microbiology-and-infection-prevention. For more information about Groningen see http://portal.groningen.nl/en.

Dr. Ir. J. Sjollema [email protected]
Prof. Dr. J.M. van Dijl [email protected]
Prof. Dr. Helder Santos [email protected]

For questions about the position

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