PhD position: Development of photo-click based radiopharmaceuticals for PET

Within this collaboration, a new ultrafast photoclick reaction has recently been published in high impact journals ( IF > 15). For this project we aim to demonstrate Proof-of-Principle of this work by investigating the clinical translation of this method by developing radiopharmaceuticals for biological targets that are highly clinical relevant. The research includes optimization and clinical translation of our recently published photoclick method. Specifically, a GMP-compliant synthesis method will be applied for novel radiopharmaceuticals to investigate Fibroblast Activating Peptide (FAP) in oncology. The PhD-student will develop relevant radiopharmaceuticals for imaging of FAP and will perform the necessary biological experiments to translate FAP-radiopharmaceuticals to the clinic.

You are a creative and enthusiastic researcher with an MSc degree in (Medicinal) Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry or Biology, with clear multidisciplinary interest in the field of development and translation of diagnostic agents. You have good communication skills in English and you are able to work in a multidisciplinary team. The research should result in a Ph.D. thesis.

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.

You will get a four year contract (36 hours per week). Your salary will be a minimum of € 2.789,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.536,- gross per month (scale PRO) in the final (4th) 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 department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging in UMCG and the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry of RUG have a long-lasting collaboration with the aim to develop innovative chemistry and radiopharmaceuticals for the development of imaging agents for nuclear medicine, molecular imaging and radiology.

This PhD position is part of HTRIC, a joint initiative of the University of Groningen and the UMCG, together with the Applied Sciences Universities and the Life Cooperative. HTRIC connects research, health technology and clinical practice for more healthy years.
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.

For a new project, funded through the Health Technology and Innovation Cluster (HTRIC), we are looking for a highly skilled and enthusiastic PhD student who would like to apply his/her expertise to the development of novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer targeting Fibroblast Activating Protein (FAP). The estimated start date will be 1st of July 2023.