❗️ Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the application form 

Project Description

This project will explore how novel upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) can be used to detect and measure the binding of bacterial virulence factors. Unlike traditional fluorescent dyes, UCNPs are highly stable, resist photobleaching, and operate in the near-infrared range - allowing deeper tissue penetration for more reliable detection. These properties make them ideal for developing next-generation diagnostic tools.

You will gain hands-on experience in nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation, surface functionalisation with biomolecules, and the design of simple optical detection systems to track binding events. As the project progresses, you will evaluate assay performance (sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection) and test rapid-readout formats, including fluidic flow-cell systems that provide real-time binding data.

The project also includes international secondments: 

1. At Lund University, you’ll explore applications with host/microbe interactions. You will also have a secondment to develop skills in spheroid and organelle culture
2. At ShanX Medtech in the Netherlands, you’ll gain experience in translating technologies into real-world diagnostic settings.

These secondments might change depending upon how your project develops and the directions that you take.

Mandatory requirements

The candidate must have:

• An MSc in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field at the time of admittance to the programme.

Desirable qualifications

In addition, it is an advantage if the candidate has:

• Experience in nanoparticle synthesis, protein biochemistry, or optical detection,

• Demonstrated excitement and interest in applied science and the chance to help develop innovative diagnostic technologies.

Personal skills:

This is an international programme. It is important that you have good language and communication skills. You will also need to demonstrate skills in:

• Conceptual thinking

• Critical information seeking

• Have a self-development orientation.

In addition to the eligibility criteria (see below in "How to Apply"), we anticipate that the successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD programme at Goethe University, Frankfurt, and so will need to fulfil the doctoral requirements listed here: Goethe-Universität — Doctorate.

Supervisors: Ian Eastwood https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-eastwood-91574b8/ (Ian Eastwood is CTO of Eluceda. The research group focuses on low-cost field-testing technologies)

Hosting institution: Eluceda (UK) (https://www.eluceda.com/)

Technical information:

• Position location: Manchester, UK.

• Application deadline: January 6th, 2026

• Interviews: February 9th and 13th, 2026 (be available both days)

• Project start date: September 1st, 2026

• Duration: 3 years

How to Apply

Find the eligibility and application requirements below.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must not have been awarded a doctorate previously.
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. See: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks ‘What does the funding cover’
• Candidates must have a high level of English proficiency (demonstrated eg by TOEFL, IELTS certification) or by having been educated in an English-speaking country to age 18.
• Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria as outlined in the individual research project descriptions.
• Candidates must meet the entry requirements of the institution to which they apply.

Application Requirements
The candidates will be selected based on the quality of the application, expertise, work experience, and qualifications. In the first instance, an expression of interest should be lodged containing the following documents (in English) consolidated into one single PDF file. As mentioned above, it will increase your chances if you apply to more than one project.

• A current cv (resumé) (max 2 pages).
• A short cover letter, no more than 600 words, that covers the following:
  1: your motivation and key research experience/achievements that demonstrate independent thinking and your ability to complete a PhD. Evidence the skills you claim with the documents you give us.
  2: the original working title of your MSc or BSc thesis.
  3: The first scientific memory that you have (max 250 words)
• A clear statement if and how and what AI tools you used. We recommend you do not use them.
• The table of contents of your thesis
• A research outline (max 500 words) related to the DC topic in which you suggest how you can meet and develop further the research project described in the project advertisement. Be specific: where in your attached certificates can we find proof of the necessary qualifications for the given position?

The following items will be submitted in separately in the application form.

• We suggest you apply for up to 3 PhD positions in StraDiVarious. If you do, list two other choices in order of preference. (You do not need to provide further information.)
• Details of 2 referees (names, contact details) who can provide additional information about your qualifications.
• Official Academic Record - Bachelor's and Master’s Certificates and Transcripts.
• We expect that, since a Master’s Degree is required, you will either have completed it at the time of application, or will do so with the requisite grades and be able to provide a degree certificate by July 1st, 2026. In such a case, acceptance is conditional.
• Demonstration of English-language proficiency (official certificates from language tests, or based on your schooling and where you grew up).
• If we suspect unreported use of AI-generated text, we reserve the right to check using AI-text detection tools and summarily reject the application. This is consistent with our no-tolerance policy towards plagiarism.