PhD position Chemical synthesis of complex bacterial glycans

In the NWO-Vidi project 'Healthy sugars for a healthy gut', a fully funded 4-year PhD position is available in the Chemical Glycobiology group of Prof. Marthe Walvoort, in the division of Chemical Biology at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen. Research in the Walvoort group is dedicated to understanding the structure-activity relation of carbohydrates, combining the powers of synthetic chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. One area deals with synthetic method development and production of health-beneficial oligosaccharide structures. The other area is dedicated to the investigation of bacterial protein glycosylation to the point where we can start exploiting it to generate novel antibacterial therapies.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Closing date: 3 december 2025

1 - 1 FTE

€ €3.881

PhD position Chemical synthesis of complex bacterial glycans

What are you going to do?

Bifidobacteria produce a unique extracellular sugarcoat, the glycocalyx, which is rich in exopolysaccharides. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are associated with many human-host benefits, including immune signal modulation, anti-pathogen effects, and a healthy gut, but a clear understanding of which exopolysaccharides are responsible for which health effects is missing. Currently, the only method to obtain exopolysaccharides is through isolation from bacterial culture broths, resulting in low yields and often low purities of exopolysaccharide samples. This makes it challenging to directly prove structure-activity relationships related to the bifidobacterial beneficial effects.

The goal of this PhD project is to develop chemical synthesis methods to produce a variety of bifidobacterial exopolysaccharides. Using a modular approach, different lengths and levels of complexity will be obtained. Also novel sugar-nucleotides and glycolipids will be synthesized. In collaboration, the resulting EPS structures will be tested for their functional effects in intestinal model systems and lay the foundation to prove bifidobacterial health effects. This PhD project will be in close collaboration with a PhD project on the enzymatic production of EPS structures within the same NWO-Vidi project, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to this synthetic challenge.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Closing date: 3 december 2025

€ €3.881

Who are you?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented PhD candidate with:

– A MSc degree in (synthetic) organic chemistry, or equivalent certification.

– Strong experimental background in synthetic organic (carbohydrate) chemistry.

– Research experience in the field of carbohydrate chemistry will be seen as a strong asset.

– Capacity to think analytically and creatively.

– High motivation in pursuing academic research.

– Ability to work in an international team and collaborate with several research centers in Europe in a streamlined and professional way.

– An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communicative and social skills.

– Fluent proficiency in English – written and oral.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € Promovendus) up to a maximum of € Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Contract duration: Contract duration: A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position 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 a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering. The preferred starting date is 1 March 2026 or later.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit

The Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is a research institute at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen. With 18 principal investigators, the Stratingh Institute performs excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bio-organic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focussed on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems.

Application procedure

Step 1:

Your application

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2:

Selection

The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.

Step 3:

First interview

We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4:

Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5:

Terms of employment meeting

After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen

Interested?

Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Then apply immediately

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you're requested to upload the following documents:

• Letter of motivation.
• CV (including contact information for at least two academic references).
• Description of research experience (1-2 pages).
• Transcripts from your Bachelor's and Master's degree.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?

Marthe Walvoort

Associate Professor

Questions about your application process?

Marthe Walvoort

Associate Professor

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

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