Post Doctoral Researcher (Ghent, 9000) chez Universiteit Gent

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

This postdoctoral position will be carried out in the NanoSensing Group lead by Prof. Anna M. Kaczmarek. The NanoSensing Group (https://nanosensing.ugent.be) is a research group at the Department of Chemistry of Ghent University, which focuses on studying the use of nano-sized purely inorganic and hybrid materials for nanothermometry and theranostics. The group currently hosts 2 postdoctoral researchers and 5 PhD students.The position will be funded by an ERC Starting Grant – Nanothermometers for theranostics.

Temperature measurements in the field of biomedicine are extremely important. For example a cancer cell will have temperature 1-2 degree Celcius higher than a healthy cell – which makes it possible to detect cancer cells using temperature. Although temperature can be detected using commercially available techniques (e.g. infrared cameras), optical thermometry at the nanoscale allow studying phenomena otherwise inaccessible to so-called traditional thermometers. Theranostics is a recently emerging field, which integrates diagnostics with therapy. In our project we combine nanothermometry for diagnostics with therapy (drug delivery, photodynamic therapy). This requires smart material design and avoiding interferences of any of the system components.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary project focused on developing hybrid nanoplatforms for combined thermometry and therapy. The successful candidate will join efforts on combining luminescent nanothermometers with photosensitizers for simultaneous temperature sensing and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This work is on the interface of (nano)materials chemistry, optical spectroscopy, and photomedicine.  

YOUR TASKS

• To conduct international top-research in the field of lanthanide-based hybrid nanomaterials combining nanothermometry and photodynamic therapy: synthesis of materials, integration of the photosensitizers in the nanoplatforms, optical and thermal characterization (photoluminescence temperature calibration, ROS quantification)
• To assist in the directing of the NanoSensing Group: actively participating in the drafting of new research proposals, actively participating in the preparation of manuscript drafts of younger researchers in the group, guiding PhD and master thesis students.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a PhD degree in Sciences: chemistry, or a PhD degree in engineering sciences: materials science, or a PhD degree in engineering sciences: chemical technology or equivalent, (the PhD degree must have been awarded before the date of appointment to the position)
• Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written).
• You have prior experience working with photosensitizers and photodynamic therapy. More focus in placed on ROS determination skills then photosensitizer synthesis (commercially available PS can be used in the project).
• You have skills in nanomaterial synthesis, preferably of lanthanide doped materials, ideally also of hybrid materials.
• You have experience in characterization techniques, such as powder XRD, UV-Vis, NMR, TEM, photoluminescence spectroscopy, FT-IR, etc.
• You have experience or interest in transferring knowledge from academia to industry and in the exploitation of results in patents
• You have proven to publish high-impact scientific publications in international peer-reviewed academic journals that are widely disseminated.
• You have contributed to communications or oral presentations at scientific meetings and congresses.
• You are able to guide a group of master and PhD students as well as write/correct papers and conference contributions.
• Willingness to work at interdisciplinary boundaries, in close collaboration with the other project members.
• Team player with a strong sense of autonomy and responsibility.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 1 year. Some possibilities for further extensions may exist.
• Your contract will start on 1/01/2026 (earlier or slightly later date is also possible)
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your detailed CV including information about academic achievements and study results (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application motivation letter describing why you should be considered for this position (in pdf format)
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: 1) Name and contact details of three references who are willing to provide a letter of recommendation. 2) Two of your most important publications in pdf format.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Anna Kaczmarek ([email protected]. Important: do NOT send your application by email but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36