Peptide receptor radionuclide scintigraphy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy are methods successfully applied in the clinic for imaging and treatment of various cancer types. For this, radiotracers are applied that target specific molecules overexpressed on cancer cells. Unfortunately, not all tumor types have high expression of suitable target molecules on their cell surface. Many tumors are surrounded by tumor stroma which forms a barrier around the cancer cells and thereby makes it difficult for anti-cancer drugs to reach these cells. A very novel and promising approach is to target cells present in the tumor stroma with radiotracers and hereby indirectly visualize and/or treat the cancer. This strategy can be applied for imaging and treatment of multiple tumor types in which the specific stroma component that the radiotracer is directed against is present. Furthermore, the stroma barrier now becomes the tool to deliver cytotoxic irradiation to cancer cells to eliminate them.

The aim of this preclinical project is to develop and apply a novel imaging and treatment strategy by targeting cells present in the tumor stroma with novel radiotracers directed against tumor stroma components. These novel radiotracers are currently being developed in our lab. The PhD student will design and execute studies to evaluate and apply the newly developed radiotracers for imaging and treatment of multiple tumor types. The project will involve in vitro cell and tissue assays, in vivo experimentation in mouse models of cancer and histological examination of tumor tissue.

• You are a highly motivated candidate with a university MSc degree.
• You have outstanding theoretical and experimental research skills, are well organized and result-driven with a strong team spirit.
• You have strong English skills (both written and oral).
• You have received excellent scientific training in the field of (molecular) biology, oncology, or a related field.
• Experience with animal studies, radiolabeling and radionuclide imaging will be considered an advantage.

The appointment is available from November 1st, 2020. You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The monthly salary is about € 2.495 in the 1st year, it increases to about € 3.196 in the 4th year (scale OIO). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC

The department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine of the Erasmus MC is the largest department of Radiology in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. Our department is dedicated to high quality patient care, education, and research. Concerning research, the department is known for its forefront research and its state-of-the-art facilities.