PhD in Optical Detection of Novel Fluorescent Markers for Rapid Sepsis Identification University of Groningen in Netherlands

PhD position at the University of Groningen on optical detection of novel fluorescent markers for the rapid identification of sepsis. The project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) and the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), and is jointly supervised by Prof. A. Minnaard and R. Hildner, with support from B.-J. Kroesen and J. Pillay.

The research focuses on developing new fluorescent labels that are specific for white blood cells appearing in the very early stages of sepsis. The goal is rapid, high-sensitivity optical detection in a complex matrix, combining chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, and biomedical diagnostics.

Study fields / keywords: chemistry, medical science, biology, physics, biomedical engineering, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, organic synthesis, sepsis diagnostics.

Eligibility: the ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in (physical) chemistry. Experience in optical spectroscopy/microscopy and/or organic synthesis is an advantage, but not mandatory. Applicants should be creative, motivated, determined, comfortable in an interdisciplinary and international team, and proficient in written and spoken English.

Funding: this is a full-time PhD employment contract for four years. The salary is €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, with an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, 8% holiday allowance, 232 vacation hours per year, and enrollment in the Graduate School PhD training program.

Deadline: apply no later than 15 July 2026 at 23:59 Dutch local time.

How to apply: submit the application online via the vacancy page and include a CV, cover letter, copies of BSc and MSc academic records, and contact details of two academic references.