R. Hildner

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.