Doctoral scholarship holder PET molecular probe development for imaging responses in cancer immunotherapy

 

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Department: Nuclear Medicine / MICA
Regime Full-time

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The Laboratory of Radiopharmacy, part of Molecular Imaging and Radiology (MIRA) of the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, is looking for a full-time (100%)

Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of PET molecular probe development for imaging responses in cancer immunotherapy

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis in the field of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences.
• Project description: Immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for many cancers. But, despite impressive tumor effects and extended patient survival, not all patients respond, and many develop immune-related adverse events. Therefore, strategies to improve and predict the responses in cancer immunotherapy are required. Our Laboratory has a primary interest in developing radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging of biomarkers/targets that can contribute to the use of immunotherapy in the most effective way, maximizing the likelihood of response. Within this context, this project will focus on the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting cysteine protease activity for molecular imaging in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
• This multidisciplinary project will involve (but is not limited to) organic synthesis (in collaboration with University of Antwerp Medicinal Chemistry Research Group - Prof. Van der Veken), various analytical techniques (LC/MS), radiochemistry with diagnostic radionuclides, in vitro cell work, and in vivo PET imaging studies in small animals and in tumor models.
• You will write scientific reports, present findings at (inter)national meetings, and publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree recognized by the EU (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work) in one of the following disciplines: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or equivalent through experience.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You are willing to apply for additional personal PhD grants (e.g. FWO).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have general knowledge on experimental planning and data analysis.
• You are solution-oriented and a critical thinker.
• You have excellent writing and communication skills; excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory.
• You are strong in planning and organizing, you can work independently, as well as in a team.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
• The planned start date is 1 August 2021 or as soon as possible after that date (no later than 1 October 2021).
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will do most of your work at the Laboratory of Radiopharmacy, located at the Antwerp University Hospital just next to the campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 30 June 2021 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dr. Filipe Elvas (filipe.elvas@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

 

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