We will investigate the application, translation and radiobiology of a novel radionuclide therapy agent, targeting the DNA damage repair protein PARP; and other radiolabelled PARP inhibitors for imaging and radionuclide therapy of cancer. We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic PhD student (3 years), to pursue this project under the guidance dr. Bart Cornelissen, a postdoctoral researcher (TBA) and another PhD student. You will perform (radio)chemistry, in vitro and preclinical in vivo experiments, to elucidate the scope and molecular biology of a novel radionuclide therapy agent.

You will perform research into the application or the radiobiology of a novel radionuclide therapy agent, and assist with the development of novel radionuclide therapy agents. The research should result in a PhD thesis.

Essential criteria
- You have an MSc in a relevant discipline (e.g. chemistry).
- Experience with organic chemistry synthesis.
- Willing to work in a multi-disciplinary environment, with a high degree of cross training.
- Willing to work with radionuclides.
- A keen interest in cancer research.
- Motivation, resilience, and independence. Excellent organizational skills.
- Excellent communication skills, in both oral and written English.

Desired criteria
- Experience with open source ionising radiation, radiochemistry, and/or or radionuclide therapy is a plus.
- Art. 9 certificate, or FELASA equivalent.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

The successful candidate will be able to develop their research skills within highly experienced and internationally recognized research groups, and will receive education within our institute’s graduate research schools. It concerns a three year full-time (36 hours a week) PhD position. Your salary will be a minimum of € 2.631,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.188,- gross per month (scale PhD from 1-8-2022) in the final (3rd) year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

The estimated starting date will be 1st of September 2022. Another position focusing on (radio)biology is also available.

Nucleaire Geneeskunde & Moleculaire Beeldvorming

You will be appointed at the department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, part of the Medical Imaging Center of the University Medical Center Groningen, with the bulk of the work being performed at the UMCG main campus. Close collaboration is envisioned with the departments of Oncology, Radiotherapy, Chemistry and Molecular oncology at UMCG, and the departments of Oncology and Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest hospitals in the Netherlands and the largest employer in the Northern Netherlands. In addition to providing clinical care, there is much focus on the core research, training and education. At least as important as a pleasant working environment is a nice living environment. Groningen is a thriving university city set in quiet, spacious surroundings.