Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. While the disease can be cured in early stages, treatment options for more advanced stages of the disease are sparse and may be accompanied with severe side effects. Our research group develops novel and innovative imaging approaches and treatments to improve the outcome of prostate cancer patients. For this purpose we develop radiolabeled tumor targeting agents that specifically accumulate in prostate cancer lesions and allow radionuclide imaging and treatment of these lesions. These newly developed agents have been extensively tested in vitro in cell cultures and in vivo in animal models. The main focus of this PhD project will be to translate these noval tumor targeting agents into the clinics

One of the most important new therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer is treatment with radioactively labeled small molecules which specifically bind to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) which is overexpressed in prostate cancer. So far, this so-called 177Lu-PSMA therapy has shown high efficacy in first trials in prostate cancer patients with advanced disease. In this project, this therapy will be applied personalized after dosimetric analysis in patients with oligo-metastatic disease, to evaluate, if patients with more localized disease could also profit from this therapy. In addition, effects of this therapy on the immune system will be evaluated and combinational treatments will be developed.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and perform prospective clinical studies to evaluate the imaging potential and therapeutic efficacy of novel radiolabeled prostate cancer targeting agents (177Lu-PSMA in particular);
• Analyze scientific data;
• Write scientific publications and present findings at scientific meetings;
• Work in a team with other scientists and clinicians to plan, discuss, and perform research in a stimulating environment.

• Masters degree in Medicine, Technical Medicine, (Medical) Biology, Biomedical sciences, Molecular life sciences or equivalent;
• Permit to work with radioactivity (or willing to obtain this permit);
• Well-developed communicational and social skills directed towards working in a team;
• Enthusiastic and strong motivation to successfully complete a PhD.

Salary is depending on educational background and relevant experience in scale 10A (max € 2.919 gross per month) or scale 10 (max € 4.216 gross per month) Cao umc plus additional vacation bonus (8% per year) and end of year payments (8.3% per year).
Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be a screening based on the provided CV. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
The Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine has a long-standing research line on the development and clinical translation of radiolabeled tracers for imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. Within the department, there is a strong focus on translational research by collaborations between basic scientists and clinical researchers. 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, IVIS fluorescence/bioluminescence, and small-bore high-field MRI. The research group consists of approximately 30 researchers, including senior scientists, PhD students, medical doctors, and research technicians.

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.