Doctoral scholarship holder, Molecular imaging response to CAR T-cell therapies in multiple myeloma

Department: Molecular -Morphology-Microscopy
Regime Full-time

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The Laboratory of Experimental Hematology  (LEH) and the Center for Radiopharmaceuticals Antwerp  (CREANT) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences are looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of molecular imaging response to CAR T-cell therapies in multiple myeloma.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of immunoPET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging of cell-based cancer immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Within this project you will contribute to the development of an imaging strategy for assessing treatment response and evaluation of the efficacy of next-generation immunotherapies (e.g., CAR-T) in multiple myeloma (the second most common blood cancer).
• This is an interdisciplinary doctoral position jointly hosted by the Laboratory of Experimental Hematology and the Center for Radiopharmaceuticals Antwerp at the University of Antwerp.
• This position will involve the design, radiosynthesis and in vitro characterization of novel antibody-based radiotracers for PET imaging. Next, you will perform in vivo validation of the radiotracers in multiple myeloma models.
• You will write scientific reports, present findings at (inter-) national meetings, and publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of research support tasks for both research groups.

Profile

• You hold a master’s degree (or you will have obtained it by the time you start working) in biomedical sciences, biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, bio-engineering, biotechnology, or a similar field.
• You have an interest in working in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills; excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory.
• Relevant experience or interest in radiochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture or in animal models is considered a plus.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 4 years.
• The planned start date is March 1, 2023 (or as soon as possible after that date).
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales 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 between the Laboratories of Experimental Hematology and Center for Radiopharmaceuticals Antwerp (CREANT) 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 .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including February 13, 2023 (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.
• The selection committee will review all the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. 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. Dr. 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.