Job Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging - Postdoc for Kupffer Cell Imaging Project

The main objective of the project is to develop an in vivo imaging methodology for the characterization of Kupffer cell status in the liver. Kupffer cells are the resident macrophages of the liver. Kupffer cells are involved in the normal physiology, homeostasis and innate immune response of the liver, but they also contribute to the pathogenesis of several liver disorders, including liver fibrosis, alcoholic liver injury, non-alcohol fatty liver disease and drug-induced liver toxicity. A non-invasive imaging method should allow monitoring of Kupffer cell activation, depletion and recovery and therefore should have a utility in the characterization of liver status in health and disease.
Within this project, the postdoc will modify protein to enable it to specifically target a receptor expressed on Kupffer cells. The modified protein will be labeled with the radioactive nuclide fluorine-18 to provide a tracer for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. The biological/pharmacological properties of this radiotracer will be explored in a range of pre-clinical models, including isolated Kupffer cells, liver slices and live rodents. Pharmacologically challenged rodents will be used to validate the ability of the new PET tracer to visualize changes in Kupffer cell status in vivo.

- The successful candidate for the postdoc position should have a PhD degree.
- The candidate should have relevant research experience in the field of (medical) biology, biotechnology, pharmacy, or equivalent.
- Demonstrable experience with in-vitro and animal studies is required.
- Knowledge of in-vivo imaging techniques is recommended.
- Experience with isolation and cultivation of liver cells is advantageous.
- The candidate should be able to work in a multidisciplinary environment, have good communicative skills and be proficient in the English language.
- The candidate should be able to start the project ultimately June 1, 2012.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. You may be required to build up sufficient protection against Hepatitis B before you can be appointed. Vaccination is provided by the UMCG if necessary.

The duration of the project is two years.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

A vacancy for a talented postdoc in the field of biomedical research is available at the department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of the University Medical Center Groningen. The postdoc position is part of the Roche Postdoc Fellowship program and operates within the framework of the Dutch Imaging Hub, which is an academic collaboration between the pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and three Dutch University Medical Centers (UMCG, UMCN, VUMC). Both researchers from the University Medical Center Groningen and scientists from Roche will be participating in the current project.

Dr. Erik F.J. de Vries, Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging
+31 (50) 361 35 99

Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging

atUMCG

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