Vacancy Postdoc 'Nanoparticle-Based Immunomodulation for Cancer and Transplantation'

Job description

Recent advances in drug delivery and nanotechnology are opening up exciting new frontiers in medicine. The NanoTecMec project is at the cutting edge of this innovation, aiming to develop biodegradable nanoparticles that deliver immunomodulatory microRNAs (miRs) to reprogram immune responses in two major clinical challenges: cancer and organ transplantation. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation immunotherapies with real-world potential. Do you seize this opportunity? Apply now!

As part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary EU-funded consortium, this project explores how targeted miR delivery can modulate the immune system—either by boosting anti-tumor responses or promoting tolerance to transplanted organs.

Our research has already shown promising results: nanoparticle-based miR therapies can alter the behavior of myeloid cells, reduce immunosuppression in cancer patients, and enhance regulatory pathways in transplant recipients.

Building on this momentum, we aim to optimize these miRNA-loaded nanoparticle strategies for clinical translation. This includes refining delivery systems, validating biological effects, and advancing the therapy toward future application in patients.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher, that will:

• Design and optimize nanoparticle formulations for miR delivery.
• Perform in vitro immunological assays (e.g., PBMC co-culture, mixed lymphocyte reaction).
• Analyze miR-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in cancer.
• Collaborate with internal and external consortium partners across Europe.
• Contribute to publications, reports, and conference presentations.
• Supervise or mentor junior researchers or students when appropriate.

Place of work

The department of Medical BioSciences aims at a better understanding of our immune system using molecular-, cell biological- and immunological- techniques and is centered around dendritic cells and lymphocytes which are key cells in anti-tumor immunity. Our multi-disciplinary Department combines fundamental with translational research, including different clinical trials of dendritic cell immunotherapy in cancer patients. We are embedded within the Radboud University Medical Center that provides an outstanding, multi-cultural and thriving research setting through technology platforms such as genomics, proteomics and advanced imaging.

What We Offer

• A dynamic research environment in a highly collaborative European project.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and training.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health. 

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Profile

You are a highly motivated and independent researcher with a PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, nanomedicine, or related field. You have proven expertise in immune cell culture and flow cytometry. Experience with nanoparticle synthesis and characterization (e.g., PLGA-based systems) is a strong asset. Your communication and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment are excellent. Finally, you are fluent in English (spoken and written).

Employment conditions

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:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.493 and € 5.504 (scale 10) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• From 1 July 2025 an increase in salary with 3%.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

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 € 2.40 per day.

 

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 16 Juni 2025. We will then contact you shortly.

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? Then call to Jolanda de Vries, Head of Department Medical BioSciences, RGL MBS Immunology, through +31 24 361 76 00. Use the Apply button to submit your application.