Scientific Researcher

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.

YOUR TASKS

This project focuses on the development of an innovative temperature-monitoring technology aimed at improving the safety of medical laser procedures. Although medical lasers are widely used in clinical applications, such as laser lithotripsy for kidney stone treatment, the heat generated during these procedures is not directly visible to the surgeon and may cause unintended tissue injury. The project aims to address this challenge by combining temperature-sensitive luminescent nanoparticles with fiber-optic sensing technology to enable real-time temperature monitoring directly at the treatment site, supporting safer and more informed clinical decision-making.

The research will be primarily conducted within the NanoSensing Group at the Department of Chemistry, Ghent University , led by Prof. Anna Kaczmarek. The group has established international expertise in luminescent materials, nanotechnology, and optical sensing technologies, supported by multiple European Research Council (ERC) grants. Building on this expertise, this project aims to advance luminescence-based temperature sensing towards clinical implementation. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Thomas Tailly (Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital) , ensuring a strong connection between technology development and clinical needs.

A central objective of the project is to translate promising academic research into a robust technology with practical applications and commercial potential. The position will therefore emphasize technology maturation, application-driven research, and the achievement of key milestones supporting future industrial development and commercialization . The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface of academic research, clinical innovation, and technology transfer, contributing directly to the development of a new medical sensing technology.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Performing, optimising and upscaling synthesis of nanosized luminescence thermometers
• Characterising the synthesised materials using appropriate spectroscopic and analytical techniques, with particular emphasis on optical spectroscopy.
• Buidling an optical fiber based platform for thermal measurements
• Ex vivo studies of the nanosized luminescence thermometers performance in porcine kidney
• Processing and interpreting experimental data, documenting results, and presenting findings in scientific reports and project meetings.
• Contributing to the generation of experimental evidence and proof-of-concept demonstrations that may support future patent applications and the development of intellectual property.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The candidate should hold a Master's or PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Bioingeneering, Physics, or a related field.

The following skills and competencies are required:

• Practical experience in nanomaterial synthesis
• A sound understanding of nanomaterial chemistry and the relationship between synthesis conditions, material structure, and optoelectronic properties.
• A sound understanding of nanomaterial use for medical application
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, also in the near-infrared spectral range.
• The ability to plan experiments, analyse and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot synthetic procedures, and work independently.
• Good written and spoken English, sufficient for scientific communication, reporting, and collaboration within an international research environment.

Experience with luminescence thermometry is highly desirable. Additional experience working with optical fibers and in biologically mimicked systems would be an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 18 months and can be renewed.
• Your contract will start on January 1, 2027 at the earliest.
• 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 (