PhD ’Clinical study on bacteria-targeted tracers for detection of infections’

Are you passionate about healthcare, medical technology, innovation, infection research, and surgery? Would you like to contribute to the development of novel diagnostic approaches that improve patient care? Then this PhD ’Clinical study on bacteria-targeted tracers for detection of infections’ position could be the perfect opportunity for you. For an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Trauma Surgery, we are looking for a motivated and ambitious PhD candidate to coordinate and conduct clinical studies on bacteria-targeted fluorescence and PET imaging of infections. In this project, you will contribute to the development, implementation, and clinical evaluation of novel bacteria-targeted fluorescent and PET tracers for the detection of infections, with a particular focus on patients with severe traumatic injuries. If you are excited about translating innovative imaging technologies into clinical practice and working within a multidisciplinary research team, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

Project description

Bacterial infections are a common and growing challenge across many medical specialties. Their incidence is increasing due to an ageing population, the widespread use of implanted medical devices, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment and to prevent irreversible tissue damage. However, existing imaging techniques have limited specificity and often cannot reliably distinguish bacterial infection from sterile inflammation caused by trauma, fracture healing, or recent surgery. To address this challenge, our multidisciplinary team has developed a new generation of bacteria-targeted imaging tracers based on antibiotics labeled with either a near-infrared fluorescent dye or a PET radionuclide. These tracers have been evaluated in preclinical studies and are currently being prepared for clinical translation under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions. By specifically targeting bacteria, they enable accurate detection of infections and offer the unique opportunity to visualize infected tissue both non-invasively and in real time during surgery. Supported by the HTRIC and Ubbo Emmius Fund, this project aims to translate these innovative bacteria-targeted imaging agents into clinical practice by evaluating their application for fluorescence-guided detection of bacterial infections during surgery. Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating and carrying out a scientific research project.
• Actively participating in multidisciplinary meetings and project teams.
• Perform clinical studies on new bacteria-targeted tracers for infection detection (both fluorescent and PET).

Working environment

Step into our world: as a PhD candidate at the UMCG, you will work within the departments of Trauma Surgery, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and Microbiology. You will become part of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nuclear medicine physicians, chemists, microbiologists, pharmacists, and other medical professionals dedicated to clinically apply bacteria-targeted tracers for detecting infections across various medical fields, with a particular focus on (trauma) surgery. You will be part of an inspiring work environment where healthcare and technology seamlessly merge. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team working with cutting-edge developments in bacteria-targeted fluorescent imaging, PET imaging, and surgical techniques.

What do we ask

• MSc in medicine, biomedical engineering, (micro)biology, biotechnology
• Good oral and written command of English.
• Good communication skills, especially for interdisciplinary collaborations
• Experience with imaging tracers (optical camera’s), near-infrared fluorescence imaging, PET imaging, and conducting clinical studies is regarded a preference.

In addition, it is beneficial if you have experience with scientific research and have written scientific articles.

What do we offer

We offer a challenging position in an enthusiastic team of experts in a broad and rapidly evolving field. As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary and dedicated team of professionals. At first, you will be appointed in a temporary fulltime position 36 hours per week of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that you will successfully complete your PhD thesis within the next three years. A PhD training program is part of the agreement. Your salary is € 3.217,-gross per month in the first year and up to a maximum of € 4.077,- gross per month in the last fourth year (scale PRO). For candidates with a medical degree, the starting salary is € 4,077 (scale 10-2). Candidates with another university-level background start at € 3.217 in the PRO salary scale. The UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). You will have access to excellent research infrastructure, opportunities for international collaboration, and dedicated support for career development and scientific education. All this while living in Groningen, a vibrant and welcoming university city with a great quality of life.