PhD-student for peptide based theranostics for neuroblastoma

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD-student to join the theranostics research group at the Cancer Center. You will be working on our project to develop peptide based radiotheranostics for children with neuroblastoma.

Dit ga je doen

Radiotheranostics have had a great flight for the diagnosis and treatment of adult cancers in the last two decades. In contrast, for childhood cancer, this development is lacking behind whereas also this patient population can potentially benefit from this. With our increasing knowledge on the tumor biology of childhood cancers opportunities arise for the development of nuclear theranostics for this patient group. To achieve this, the theranostics research group of the UMC Utrecht and the various research groups and clinical disciplines of the Princess Máxima Center are collaborating.

As PhD-candidate of the theranostics research group of the UMC Utrecht, in collaboration with the Princess Máxima Center, you will conduct radiopharmaceutical research towards the development of radiotheranostics to improve the personalized treatment of neuroblastoma. This project focuses on the development, characterization and selection of peptide based ligands as leads for radiolabeling and preclinical evaluation. The radiolabeled compounds, both diagnostic and therapeutic nuclides, will be evaluated by in vitro, in ovo and in vivo studies to assess the target binding and mode-of-action of the molecules.

Your supervisors will be Dr. Alex Poot (Head of the Theranostics Research Group of the UMC Utrecht) and Dr. Berend vd Wildt (Radiopharmaceutical Scientist of the UMC Utrecht). Based on your scientific results you will present your data at scientific conferences, publish in scientific journals and write and defend a PhD-thesis based on the publications. As PhD candidate you will be embedded and follow courses at one of the Graduate Schools of Utrecht University.

Hier ga je werken

You will join the theranostics research group within the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, part of the Cancer Center and Imaging Division at UMC Utrecht. Within the field of nuclear medicine, UMC Utrecht is a leading center for the development of novel theranostics, nuclear imaging, and image-guided therapies. In this role, you contribute directly to innovative and personalized care for patients with cancer.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team of radiopharmaceutical scientists and nuclear medicine physicians. You will also collaborate closely with clinical physicists, PhD candidates, nuclear workers research technicians, and colleagues from both the clinic and laboratory. The working environment is collaborative and supportive, with colleagues sharing knowledge and working together to advance research and personalized patient care. Within our department, people are focused and dedicated with an eye on each other and the group, to collaborate and make a difference.

The department offers plenty of opportunities for your professional and scientific development as a PhD candidate. You are encouraged to attend national and international conferences and take part in scientific meetings and educational activities. Several social and networking events are also organized throughout the year for you and fellow PhD candidates.

Dit neem je mee

• You have a master’s degree in bio- or medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, oncology, or a related field, with extensive training in preclinical and translational research.
• You preferably hold a license to work with radioactive nuclides and/or perform animal research.
• You are a strong team player with excellent communication skills and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment across both the UMC Utrecht and the Princess Máxima Center.
• You are proactive and eager to pioneer within this innovative research field.
• You are creative and able to develop solutions for complex scientific challenges.