Postdoc 'Nanoparticle-Based Immunomodulation for Cancer and Transplantation'

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.