Vacancy PhD candidate 'targeted radionuclide therapy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma'

Job description

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with the lowest 5-year survival among all solid tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote tumor cell proliferation and prevent chemotherapy and immune cells from attacking the tumor, leading to poor patient outcome. Novel approaches to kill these CAFs are therefore urgently needed.

In this project, we will develop agents that bind to CAFs for application in targeted radionuclide therapy. These agents will be labeled with therapeutic radionuclides Ac-225, Pb-212, Tb-161 and Lu-177. We will assess their binding properties to CAFs in vitro, and the tumor-targeting properties, biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy in tumor-bearing mouse models. Additionally, we will unravel their mechanism of action, biological and immunological effects in these mice.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and perform scientific research with FAP-binding radiotracers for application in targeted radionuclide therapy (radiolabeling, in vitro cell binding and therapy experiments, small animal imaging and therapy experiments, immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, dosimetry calculations).
• Analyze scientific data.
• Write scientific publications and present findings at (inter)national scientific meetings.
• Work in a team with other scientists and clinicians to plan, discuss, and perform research in a stimulating research environment.

Place of work

The Department of Medical Oncology plays a key role in conducting translational research: from molecule to men. At our department we drive innovation by combining personalized patient care and science. Our ultimate goal is to have major clinical impact on patient outcomes (survival and quality of life). We have ample experience in systemic treatment with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal treatment, and radioligand therapies. The Department of Medical Oncology consists of medical oncologists, residents, (research) nurses, PhD students, and preclinical researchers. Moreover, we have a dedicated phase I trial unit, where we run our clinical trials.

This project will be in close collaboration with the Department of Medical Imaging, which has long-standing research lines on the development and application of labeled tracers for application in nuclear imaging and radionuclide therapy. There is a strong focus on translational research by collaborations between basic scientists, (pre)clinical researchers, and clinicians. The department has excellent research facilities, including level B radionuclide laboratories and a preclinical imaging center (PRIME) with state-of-the art imaging facilities including microPET/CT, microSPECT/CT, fluorescence/bioluminescence, and small-bore high-field MRI. The research group consists of approximately 25 researchers, including senior scientists, PhD students, medical doctors, and research technicians.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare. 

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Profile

You have a master's degree in (medical) biology, biomedical sciences, molecular life sciences, or equivalent. You are in possession of permits to work with laboratory animals and radioactivity. Or you are willing to obtain these permits. You are enthusiastic and have a strong motivation to successfully complete this PhD project. lastly, you have well-developed communicational skills directed towards working in a multidisciplinary team.

Employment conditions

The starting date of this PhD project is 6 January 2025. At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 172 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. (As of 1 January 2025, you will receive 176 vacation hours). 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.35 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 17 October. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews take place in week 44 or week 45.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Send an email to Dr. Harm Westdorp, Medical Oncologist. Use the Apply button to submit your application.