Radionnuclide therapy (RNT) is a treatment for metastasized cancer in which radionclides emitting radiation are used to kill tumour cells. Different radionuclide can be used among which 166Ho. This particular radionuclide has relatively short-life, which makes supply to hospitals challenging. In this project, we aim at developing a 166Dy/166Ho radionuclide generator which will supply hospitals with 166Ho on site and on demand. This project is part of large NWO (Dutch Research Council) funded consortium "UNRANU: UNderstanding the RAdiobiology of therapeutic medical radioNUclides" which aims to unravel the radiobiological effects of different radioisotopes. You will collaborate with many stake holders from academia, industry and society (e.g. Erasmus MC, Radboudumc, Delft University of Technology, NRG|PALLAS, AlfaRim Medical, HUB Organoids MILabs, Quirem Medical, Radboud Translational Medicine B.V., Siemens Healthineers, TerThera b.v., URENCO Nederland, Von Gahlen, VSL National Metrology Institute, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Wetenschapsknooppunt Radboud Universiteit).

In this project you will work on the development of 166Dy/166Ho generator by combining concepts from different fields including nanotechnology (synthesizing dysprosium-based nanomaterials) and radiochemistry (radiochemical separation to selectively extract Ho-166) to create the new generator and assess whether the produced Ho-166 conforms to the European pharmacopeia standards for use in the clinic. The research will be highly multidisciplinary, including all aspects of designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and fabricating the novel radionuclide generator in close collaboration with industry leaders and university hospitals. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student who

• has an MSc in a relevant field, such as chemical engineering, physical chemistry, inorganic or coordination chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry or similar
• combines creativity with a sound academic attitude;
• has excellent experimental skills;
• has excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking;
• is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team;
• is a good team-player and able to work in a collaborative environment.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information

Delft University of Technology

Read more about working at TU Delft.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Afdeling

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The department of Radiation Science and Technology (www.rst.tudelft.nl) focuses on research and education in materials, energy and health with radiation as the common denominator. Fields of interest are medical radioisotopes, materials for energy storage, technologies for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, advanced instrument development and sustainable nuclear energy. The section Applied Radiation & Isotopes (ARI), where this project will be based, runs projects on the production of radionuclides, chemical separation and radiolabeling, targeting approaches for radionuclide therapy,  chemical speciation, application of radiotracers in life science, and the combination of radiation therapy with different treatment modalities.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences

For information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr.ir. Antonia Denkova, email A.G.Denkova@tudelft.nl.