PhD position Quantum Sensing for cancer diagnostics

Job description

The aim of this team and the project is to bring quantum sensing into the world of biomedical applications. The position is part of an Interreg project for a collaboration between the UMCG and the FH Münster, University of Osnabrück, IOM Leipzig, QTsense, billX and Juke.

The aim of this project is to develop a diamond-based quantum sensing method to assess and establish quantum sensing as a tool for cancer diagnostics and drug testing. To achieve this goal we bring together an interdisciplinary team of biologists, chemists and physicists. Using new quantum sensing tools that have been pioneered in our lab, we will perform nanoscale measurements on single cells. At the UMCG we will collaborate closely with clinicians to perform measurements in samples from cancer patients. The aim of the project is to test drug effectiveness and working mechanisms as well as to predict the treatment outcome for individual patients.

Working environment

We are a young, highly international, and interdisciplinary team within the Department of Biomaterials and Biotechnology (BBT), bringing together members from all over the world. BBT is part of the central UMCG campus in the vibrant university city Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands, and offers a highly international environment with more than half of the employees being non-Dutch.

What do we need

We are looking for a PhD student with a background in (cancer) biology or related fields, with an interest in measuring stress responses in cells. Useful skills include measuring oxidative stress, handling biological samples, cell culturing and working with nanodiamonds. You should also have an interest in working with an interdisciplinary team and quantum sensing. We are looking for an excellent, creative, and highly motivated colleague with:

• an M.Sc./Master’s degree in biology or related areas with an interest in cancer biology;
• a passion for translational research at the interface of engineering, and clinical practice;
• eagerness to learn and collaborate with clinical, industrial, and biomedical partners;
• well-developed communication and collaboration skills.

What do we offer

We offer a full-time (36 hours) PhD position within the Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology (BBT/UMCG). The position is for four years. However, you will get a fulltime contract for one year, which will be extended for three years after positive evaluation. Extension of the contract will be based on sufficient progress and the expectation of a successful completion of the Ph.D. project. The salary will be a maximum € 3.017,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3.824,- gross per month in the fourth year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG offers 8% holiday pay and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). The site of your research will be the Department of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology (BBT/UMCG) with excellent guidance and facilities for scientific staff.