PhD position in image-guided photopharmacology
Apply nowPhD position in image-guided photopharmacology
Photopharmacology enables precise pharmacotherapy in time and space by designing drugs whose activity can be controlled with light. However, without the support of modern medical imaging methods to reveal the location of the disease and the therapy activation, photopharmacology remains blind. To tackle this challenge, the position is funded by the Dutch Science Council (NWO) in the context of the Open Competition M2 grant and is connected to another PhD position open at UMCG at the same time with the aim of forming a team of two PhD students and three PIs (Szymanski, Kruijff, Vonk) to reach the goals described above. The team altogether offers strong support in chemistry, photochemistry and molecular medical imaging.
PhD position in image-guided photopharmacology
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What are you going to do?
In this project, the team including the PhD candidate will for the first time synergize photopharmacology with optoacoustic imaging to create a theranostic treatment modality that allows for on-the-fly monitoring of drug activation and its outcomes. We will evaluate this concept in the context of cancer treatment, where it can substitute aggressive surgical therapy that results in serious morbidity.
Who are you?
The successful candidate should have:
- A MSc 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 and/or medical imaging will be seen as a strong asset.
- 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 € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (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 full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
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 (GRIP). 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 guided by medical imaging, fitting perfectly into the fundamental and applied work performed in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Photopharmacology and Imaging at GRIP.
Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
Letter of motivation, CV (including contact information for at least two academic references), transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
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Questions about the content of the job?
Wiktor Szymański
Full Professor
w.c.szymanski@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Kimberley ter Voorde - Speelman
Human Resources Assistant
k.m.ter.voorde-speelman@rug.nl
Information about applying
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.
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