PhD position: DEtection and MOnitoring of treatment of BACTerial infections with Optical Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography (DEMO-BACT)

Bacterial infections are a frequently occurring problem in almost all medical disciplines. The incidence is rising due to an increasingly ageing population, increased use of implanted materials, an increase in the use of intensive chemotherapeutic possibilities, a more frequent use of immunosuppressive medication, and an increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Many infections can be treated if diagnosed accurately at an early stage, when major damage has not yet occurred. For current imaging techniques the distinction between bacterial infection and other disease states, such as a normal inflammatory response due to the injury, fracture healing, or surgery is a major challenge. Our proposed solution to this problem is a specific methodology of bacteria-targeted imaging. Targeted bacterial imaging would not only allow for specific non-invasive imaging of infection, but might also discriminate between different microorganisms. This project funded by NWO-TTW aims to develop labelled vancomycin as targeted bacterial imaging agent for clinical application.
Our approach is to first perform non-invasive diagnostic imaging for localization and quantification of bacterial infections with PET pathology in humans followed by intra-operative optical imaging to perform optimal surgical procedures and tissue sampling for culture.

You should be a creative and enthusiastic researcher with an MSc degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology or Life Sciences with clear multidisciplinary interest in the field of development and translation of diagnostic agents for bacterial infection imaging. Good communication skills in English and being able to work in a multidisciplinary team are essential. The research should result in a Ph.D. thesis.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

Your salary is € 2.357,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3.020,- gross per month in the last fourth year (scale PhD). Maximum hours per week: 36. In addition the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay and 8.3% end- of-year bonus. The terms of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centers (CAO-UMC).

More information
Mr. Prof. Dr. P.H. Elsinga, telephone +31 (0)50 3613247; e-mail: p.h.elsinga@umcg.nl (please do not use e-mail addresses for applications)

Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Hospital Pharmacy, Medical Microbiology & Infection Prevention

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest hospitals in the Netherlands and the largest employer in the Northern Netherlands. In addition to providing clinical care, there is much focus on the core research, training and education. The Departments of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Hospital Pharmacy, Medical Microbiology and Surgery are part of the UMCG. It has well-established structural international research collaborations with academic partners.
At least as important as a pleasant working environment is a pleasant living environment. Groningen is a thriving university city set in quiet, spacious surroundings.