Postdoc Development of production methods for Terbium radionuclides

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and Particle Therapy Research Center (Partrec), is offering a postdoc position focused on the development of innovative production methods for terbium radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals.

Are you passionate about healthcare, technology, innovation, physics and radiochemistry? Are you looking for a challenging role where you can apply your expertise to help improve patient care? Then this is your opportunity.

For a collaborative project with the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Particle Therapy Research Center (Partrec) and SHINE Europe BV, we are looking for a motivated and innovative postdoc who wants to contribute to healthcare innovation. Are you excited about developing and implementing new radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical production methods? Then we warmly welcome you to join our team of dedicated professionals.

Project description:

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan reflects a strong commitment to advancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Nuclear medicine, which combines biomolecules with radioisotopes, has long played an important role in cancer care. Recent advances have led to theranostics, a new generation of radiopharmaceuticals that combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions in a single agent. By enabling personalized treatment strategies, theranostics have the potential to improve outcomes and quality of care for cancer patients.

Among the most promising theranostic agents are radioisotopes from the terbium family. Research indicates that terbium isotopes could become highly effective tools for both cancer imaging and targeted therapy. However, their development is constrained by limited access to essential enriched starting materials and the complex technologies required to separate and process the isotopes. This dependency creates a vulnerable and unsustainable supply chain, slowing innovation in nuclear medicine and limiting patient access to new therapies.

The Terbium for Life project, a collaboration between SHINE Europe and UMCG, will strengthen the resilience of the Dutch and European pharmaceutical sectors by establishing a secure, independent supply chain for terbium-based cancer theranostics.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Design and execute productions for terbium isotopes.
• Develop purification methods for produced terbium isotopes and explore radiolabelling methods.
• Be involved in the design of a new radiometal laboratory.
• Publish results in leading international journals and present at international conferences.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students involved in the project.
• Contribute to national and international research collaborations and future grant applications.

Working environment

At the UMCG, you will work within the departments of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Particle Therapy Research Center and SHINE. You will collaborate closely with chemists, technologists and physicists. As a postdoc at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), you will be part of an inspiring work environment where healthcare and technology seamlessly merge. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team working with cutting-edge developments in biomedical technology and tracer development.

Candidates should have these qualifications

• PhD in radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry or nuclear physics.
• Excellent oral and written command of English.
• Excellent communication skills, especially for interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Capable of being proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Affinity with and interest in imaging and the required chemical techniques in this project is regarded as a preference.

What do we offer

We offer a challenging position in an enthusiastic team of experts in a broad and rapidly evolving field. As a postdoc, you will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary and dedicated team of professionals.

You will have access to excellent research infrastructure, opportunities for international collaboration, and dedicated support for career development and scientific education.

Starting date: November 2026.