PhD 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

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