Postdoctoral Research Associate in Synthetic PET Tracers/Theranostics

Job description

We are seeking a talented, highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in the design, synthesis and radiolabelling of tracers with radiometals to work in the Stasiuk group in the Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in synthetic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and radiochemistry, be self-motivated, able to work independently, and will have excellent written and verbal communication skills. The applicant must have a Ph.D. in synthetic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, or similar. Applicants with an interest in chemical biology, experience with multidisciplinary research, including small animal PET imaging, are preferred. They should be able to demonstrate a proven track record of scientific publications and presentation at international research meetings.   

Theranostics the combination of a therapeutic and imaging agent combined in to one molecule this new and exciting field can be used to monitor drug deliver and efficacy. This project sets out to make novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracers combined with therapeutics, in this case photodynamic therapy (PDT) to create theranostics and target them for prostate cancer. 

The post holder will be responsible for the development of a series of multifunctional chelators for radiometals, conjugation to PDT agents and targeting motifs for prostate cancer.  Validate the radiolabelling potential using gallium-68 and other radiometals and aid in preclinical imaging, they will also visit the co-investigators at the University of Hull and University College London to validate the PDT efficacy and PET imaging. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant multidisciplinary research group within one of the premier biomedical imaging centres in Europe with access to state-of-the-art synthetic and radiochemistry facilities. The Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology is part of the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences which has a vast array of small animal and clinical imaging modalities, supported by the cutting-edge equipment and core facilities at King’s. Our group has a track record of research excellence and we are dedicated to supporting the successful candidate’s career through assistance with Fellowship applications, networking events, and attendance at international conferences. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract to 15 June 2024 

This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

•       To plan and conduct a high quality programme of research in the design and development of novel chelators for gallium-68, scandium-44 and managense-52 in PET/PDT theranostics for prostate cancer.   

•       To synthesise and characterise a library of non-radioactive reference compounds and precursors for radiolabeling. 

•       To set up new radiochemistry reactions, including, but not limited to gallium-68.  

•       To maintain accurate and complete records, including full characterisation of all new compounds prepared (NMR, HR MS, IR, melting points, radiochemical yield, specific activity etc.). 

•       To provide information required for the quality assurance of laboratory analyses undertaken. 

•       To draft scientific presentations and publications. 

•       To attend all research group and wider Departmental group meetings, as directed by the PI.     

•       To perform systematic reviews of the literature. 

•       In consultation with the PI, to contribute to the training of junior staff. 

•       To work with, and to maintain close ties between ICAB Principal Investigators. 

•       Pro-actively contribute to the team ethos of the School by collaborating with and offering support to other team members and groups and the laboratory management team, and accepting support from them. 

•       Participate in teaching activities if the candidate so wishes. 

•       Assist in maintaining good laboratory discipline and safety practices, and set a professional example to others. 

•       Take responsibility as part of the team for maintaining specific items of equipment and training others in their use. 

•       General lab management. 

•       Maintain accurate records of experimental work. 

•       The possibility to participate in public engagement activities 

•       To participate in any laboratory duties commensurate with the grade as required. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.       Master’s degree in chemistry. (2.1 or above) 

2.       PhD awarded in synthetic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, or similar  

3.       Expert knowledge and skills in the design, synthesis, purification and characterisation of novel organic compounds 

4.       Experience in the radiolabelling 

5.       Strong track record of publications in the field of radiochemistry or inorganic/synthetic chemistry 

6.       Experience working on the development of novel PET radiotracers 

7.       Resourceful, creative and able to act on own initiative 

8.       The ability to take individual responsibility for planning and undertaking own work, according to scientific deadlines. 

9.       Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

10.   Ability to organise and prioritise work 

11.   Meticulous attention to detail in experimental design and execution is required 

Desirable criteria

1.       Engaging in multidisciplinary research projects 

2.       Experience in the labelling of radiopharmaceuticals with other PET isotopes 

3.       Performing in vitro assays 

4.       Performing in vivo studies 

5.       Presenting results at conferences