Postdoctoral researcher nanoparticle-based radioligands for theranostic oncology applications

Department: Molecular -Morphology-Microscopy
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp  is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Center for Radiopharmaceuticals Antwerp  (CREANT), part of Molecular Imaging and Radiology (MIRA) of the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, is looking for a full-time (100%)

Postdoctoral researcher in the field of nanoparticle-based radioligands for theranostic oncology applications.

Position

• You will be working in both the Radiopharmacy  (CREANT) and Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA) research groups on radiolabelling and preclinical evaluation of nanoparticle-based radioligands targeting tumor proteases.
• Background research topic: the Radiopharmacy group has longstanding expertise in developing radiolabelled ligands for proteases that are involved in human disease and using them in molecular imaging (PET, SPECT) and/or targeted radionuclide therapy. In this project you will optimize the radiolabeling of nanoparticles targeting proline selective proteases that have key roles in tumor growth and therapy resistance. Developed radiolabeled nanoparticles will be evaluated in animal models of cancer.
• Research topic for this postdoc position: 1) optimization of radiochemistry for the preparation of a theranostic pair radioligand for diagnostic PET imaging and therapy; and 2) preclinical evaluation of the therapeutic potential of the radioligands.
• You will write reports and scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering Sciences or related field.
• Experience in radiochemistry and radiotracer evaluation is considered a plus.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills; excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of one year.
• The planned start date is April 1, 2024 (or as soon as possible after that date).
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale  for a principal research fellow for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do your work in the Laboratories of Radiopharmacy and MICA at campus Drie Eiken of the University of Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

How to apply

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including February 29, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, your academic CV.
• A selection committee will review all the applications and a pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Filipe Elvas ([email protected] ).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.