Within the Tracerlab consortium, a new ultrafast photoclick reaction has recently been published in high impact journals ( IF > 15). We aim to further build on this work by improving the radiochemical synthesis, the automation and the clinical translation of this method to investigate biological targets that are highly clinical relevant. The research includes optimization and translation of our recently published photoclick method. For dissemination of the photoclick method we aim to develop a toolkit for easy Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) implementation applicable in nuclear medicine facilities. The GMP-compliant method will be applied for novel radiopharmaceuticals for investigation of bacterial infections and specific targets in oncology. Furthermore the scope will be broadened to multimodal imaging and theranostic agents. The PhD-student will develop new radiochemistry synthesis methods, the relevant radiopharmaceuticals and will perform the necessary biological experiments to evaluate the suitability for imaging purposes.

You should be a creative and enthusiastic researcher with an MSc degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, with clear multidisciplinary interest in the field of development and translation of diagnostic agents. Good communication skills in English and being able to work in a multidisciplinary team are essential. The research should result in a PhD thesis.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

A four years fulltime (36 hours a week) PhD position. Your salary will be a minimum of € 2.495,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.196,- gross per month (scale PhD) 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).

Nucleaire Geneeskunde & Moleculaire Beeldvorming

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest hospitals in the Netherlands and the largest employer in the Northern Netherlands. In addition to providing clinical care, there is much focus on the core research, training and education. The Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, has a long-lasting collaboration with the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, called Tracerlab with the aim to develop innovative chemistry for the development of imaging agents for nuclear medicine, molecular imaging and radiology. 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.