A fully funded 4-year PhD position is available in the Chemical Glycobiology group of Professor Marthe Walvoort at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, as part of the NWO-Vidi project 'Healthy sugars for a healthy gut'. The Walvoort group focuses on understanding the structure-activity relationships of carbohydrates, leveraging synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology to address fundamental and applied questions in glycobiology.

This PhD project aims to develop new chemical synthesis methods for producing a variety of bifidobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS), which are complex carbohydrates associated with numerous health benefits, including immune modulation, anti-pathogen effects, and gut health. The project addresses the current limitations in obtaining pure EPS samples by creating modular synthetic approaches to generate EPS of different lengths and complexities, as well as novel sugar-nucleotides and glycolipids.

The synthesized EPS structures will be tested for their functional effects in intestinal model systems, laying the groundwork for establishing direct links between specific exopolysaccharides and their health-promoting properties. The project is highly interdisciplinary, involving close collaboration with another PhD project focused on enzymatic EPS production within the same NWO-Vidi framework.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment at the University of Groningen, working at the interface of chemistry, biology, and health sciences. The position is fully funded for four years, offering an excellent opportunity for candidates with a strong background in chemistry, particularly those interested in synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, or microbiology. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and demonstrate proficiency in English. Experience with carbohydrate chemistry or interdisciplinary research is a plus.

For more information and to apply, visit the application portal linked below. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in chemical glycobiology and to develop new tools for understanding and harnessing the health benefits of complex bacterial glycans.