Postdoc 'Image-guided Photodynamic Ablation to Downstage Pancreatic Cancer'

Motivated to evaluate and improve a novel image-guided light-based treatment that could clear blood vessels from tumor involvement and take the next step to bring this treatment to patients?
With the VASOBLATE project we aim to make more pancreatic cancer patients eligible for curative surgery.

As a Postdoc, you will coordinate experiments to establish the feasibility and safety of pancreatic endovascular photodynamic ablation treatment in an animal model as the next step towards first in-human clinical studies. Additionally, you will investigate photobiological effects at the cellular level and image-based strategies for dose-effect modeling to enable further treatment optimization. You will also be involved in a seperately funded research project that will initiate a Dutch multicenter Phase I clinical trial of perivascular photodynamic ablation treatment in pancreatic cancer patients at AmsterdamUMC, Radboudumc and UMC Groningen.

You will work with multidisciplinary experts in pancreatic surgery, interventional radiology, photodynamic therapy and biophotonics. The project is a public-private partnership between academic institutions Radboudumc, Amsterdam University Medical Center and IHU Strassbourg and biomedical technology start-up company Vascular Oncology B.V., offering a unique opportunity to develop your academic skills and build experience with medical technology device development.

The research is funded by the Dutch Cancer Fund (KWF) and Health~Holland.

We seek an enthusiastic, highly motivated Postdoc with a curious attitude, pro-active personality and a drive to make impact.

You have:

• A background in (technical) medicine, biomedical engineering or equivalent.
• Finished PhD trajectory (or in final stages).
• Experience with (pre-)clinical research, preferably in (interventional) radiology, surgery or photodynamic therapy.
• Academic writing, presentation and communication skills.

In doubt whether you might be the right person for this position? Please do apply.

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 Imaging provides imaging research and image-guided interventions within Radboudumc. Our department stands for state-of-the-art imaging and optimal service within Radboudumc and the region. In addition, the department provides education in radiology and nuclear medicine at Radboud University. The scientific activities within the Imaging department have grown strongly in recent years. Currently, more than 140 scientists are working on innovative imaging research to keep healthcare sustainable in the future.

You will be a member of the MAGIC research group. The MAGIC group is at the fore-front of developing and implementing image-guided therapy, shaping the future of minimally invasive tumor treatments. The group is world-leading in MRI-guided prostate treatment and has strong expertise in translational research, bringing innovations to clinical practice. MAGIC is headed by Prof. Jurgen Fütterer and is home to over 20 people, of which >10 PhD candidates.

We offer:

• A stimulating and inspiring environment with a focus on impact on healthcare.
• A strong, multidisciplinary supervision team, consisting of Kristian Overduin, technical physician and assistant professor Interventional Oncology, Sanne van Lith, tenure-tracker Radio- and Photobiology of targeted oncologic therapies, Martijn Stommel, hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon and Jurgen Fütterer, professor of Image-guided Oncologic Interventions at Radboudumc.
• Various opportunities to work and interact with international clinical and academic expert sites (Amsterdam UMC, Biophotonics group) and private parties (Vascular Oncology B.V.).
• Multitude of learning opportunities for personal and professional development (e.g. workshops, courses, conferences).

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, send a message or email to Kristian Overduin, Assistant Professor Interventional Oncology via +316 24 46 34 03. Use the Apply button to submit your application.