Postdoc researcher in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a very poor prognosis at the time of diagnosis, usually in an advanced stage due to lack of symptoms. The 5-year survival rate is less than 9%, and pancreatic cancer is actually the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in Europe, behind lung, colorectal and breast cancer. Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which limits the choice of therapeutic interventions. Consequently, only 10 to 15% of the patients have localised disease amenable to surgery, 30-35% of the patients are considered borderline resectable, and half of the patients are presenting with metastatic disease, which is incurable. In this context, targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is an appealing therapeutic option for advanced pancreatic cancer patients, as it could overcome the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy and β- radiation, as well as improve overall outcome. The inherent challenge is to find an apropriate targeting vector, which can ultimately be labeled with an α-emitter. The aim of this project is therefore to transform cancer care by pioneering the development and evaluation of novel radiotheranostic pairs in highly aggressive pancreatic cancer.

The candidate will have to leverage DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) along with advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques to pinpoint small molecules capable of individually producing the desired pharmaceutical effect. Upon selecting lead candidates, compounds will be labeled with 18F, 123I and 211At, before initiating preclinical investigations.

Work environment

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way in research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

The candidate will be positioned at the department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Our department is known for its forefront research and its state-of-the-art facilities. The concept of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) was introduced in our department and several theranostic agents were developed and tested from bench-to-bedside. The candidate will be a member of the RadioPharmaceutical Chemistry group and will work in collaboration with other research groups specialized in molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy.

Qualifications and skills

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and talented young researchers with an active interest in tracer development and translational radiopharmaceutical research. Qualifications and skills:

• PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry or similar.
• Strong knowledge of modern synthetic chemistry and analytical techniques.
• Experience with DNA-encoded library platform.
• You have excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Must be able to multitask and thrive in a multidisciplinary, result-oriented environment.
• The ability to improve established methods and explore new lab workflows.

These criteria are considered advantages, but not requirements:

• Previous experience in handling radioactivity and performing radiolabeling procedures.
• Practical experience with cell culture and in vitro assays.
• Experience in coding (e.g., Python) and molecular docking.
• Familiar with in vivo biological studies.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a contract for 1 year at Erasmus MC.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.359,- and a maximum of € 5.292,- (scale 10), depending on your level of education and relevant experience, based on a full-time working week of 36 hours.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Yann Seimbille, 010 703 89 61.

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

No agencies please.