Post-doc researcher

Biomaterialen

Working Environment

A post doc position for 3 years is available in the research groups of Prof. Dr. Inge Zuhorn and Prof. Dr. Hélder Santos at the department of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology. The Post doc candidate will join a large consortium of scientists of the Health Technology Research and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC, www.htric.nl) that will develop, evaluate and validate upconversion nanoparticles and photoresponsive drugs for localized cancer therapy. This project is funded by the Ubbo Emmius Fund (UEF). The Ubbo Emmius Fund supports groundbreaking scientific research and talent development at the University of Groningen. Thanks to the generous contributions from engaged alumni and donors, the fund is committed to a better future by bridging the gap between science and society. With the granted fund, UEF empowers HTRIC to advance medical innovations, focusing on sepsis diagnosis, active therapy, body infections, and the application of smart materials. This collaborative cluster unites medical doctors, researchers, and companies, playing a vital role in the regional goal of establishing the Northern Netherlands as a leading hub for health technology. More information about the projects and the mission of the Ubbo Emmius Fund can be found at www.uef.nl.

Job description

To obviate the need for targeted drug delivery, local activation at target sites or deactivation at non-target sites offer alternatives. Photocaged molecules can be used for local activation, while photoswitchable molecules can be used both for activation and deactivation. However, light-sensitive molecules often suffer from low water solubility and/or absorption bands in the UV-Vis spectrum, which limits their use in vivo in human. The use of nanocarriers can increase the water solubility of drug molecules, while upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) can be used to convert NIR into UV/visible light for drug activation. Furthermore, drug-loaded nanocarriers can be used to promote drug uptake in tumor tissue, while light-sensitive nanocarriers can be generated that allow for triggered drug release upon irradiation. In this project we will co-formulate photo-responsive molecules with UCNPs in nanocarrier systems, to induce local activation at the tumor site upon NIR irradiation, thereby preventing off-target effects. In addition, X-rays or gamma rays can be used to activate photosensitive molecules through the use of scintillation crystals.

Requirements

The Post doc will be part of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research group of Prof. Zuhorn and Prof. Santos and will work in close collaboration with several other departments of the UMCG and UG. The candidate has the following main qualifications:
- has a PhD in biomedical nanotechnology, material science and engineering, nanophotonics, inorganic (lanthanide) chemistry, or similar.
- is motivated and able to work in a multidisciplinary and international work environment.
- has good communication skills in both oral and written English.

and will have the following tasks and responsibilities, to:
- develop in vitro (3D) cancer cell models for studying and evaluating nanocarriers for localized cancer therapy.
- develop nanocarriers to enhance the water solubility and stability of diagnostic and therapeutic molecules.
- develop upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to convert near infrared light into UV/visible light.
- develop scintillation crystals to convert X-ray or gamma rays into visible light.
- apply these techniques to the validation of various diagnostic and therapeutic probes developed by HTRIC.

If you are interested in joining our team, or have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. I.S. Zuhorn or Prof. Dr. H.A. Santos (for contact details see below).

Conditions of employment

A full-time appointment for one year (36 hours a week) with possible extension to three years. Your salary will be a maximum of € 5.669 gross per month (scale 10 from 01-07-2025), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. Additionally, 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).

How to apply
Full applications including resume and a motivation letter as a single PDF file, including two contacts of reference with phone number and email address, will receive full consideration if received before July 1st 2025. The top candidates will be selected for an online interview.

Link
More information about the department of Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology:
https://umcgresearch.org/w/biomaterials-and-biomedical-technology
Information about Groningen: http://portal.groningen.nl/en

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy you may contact:

Inge Zuhorn
[email protected] Helder Santos
[email protected]

Applying for a job

Solliciteren

Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 1 July 2025. Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

Digital application form