Targeted therapies are a crucial part of treatment of cancer. Great advantage of radionuclide therapy is that radioactivity doses are delivered in the tumor very accurately. During this treatment, a radiopharmaceutical is administered to the cancer patient. This radiopharmaceutical is combining a tumor-targeting compound and a radionuclide, that selectively binds to a target protein aberrantly upregulated at the surface of the cancer cells. Emissions of beta and/or alpha particles by the radionuclide cause lethal damage to tumor cells. Prior to the treatment, a diagnostic scan is made to assess the localization of the tumor lesions, as well as proper staging and stratification of the patients that can undergo radionuclide therapy. Currently the diagnostic imaging drug is chemically different than the therapeutic which can lead to inadequate treatment. Differences between these diagnostic and therapeutic drugs are eliminated by developing theranostic twins.

Therefore, we are proposing to apply molecular twins, namely radiopharmaceuticals labelled with easily accessible radionuclides, such as 18F for diagnostics and 177Lu (or 212Pb as emerging alpha emitter) for therapy. Molecular twins are chemically identical, and therefore they have identical in vivo behavior and can serve for both imaging and therapy. In fact, the molecular twins contain the diagnostic and the therapeutic nuclide, and depending on the application one nuclide is radioactive, whereas the other one is still present but under its non-radioactive form.This innovative approach is based on easily available fluorine-18 for PET-diagnostics combined with beta- or alpha-emitters for therapy. With these twins the right cancer patients are selected for treatment with optimal therapy. The aim of this project, funded by NWO-TTW to UMCG and Erasmus MC is to develop theranostic twins for treating cancer. The best twin will be prepared for a first-in-man clinical trial.

A creative and enthusiastic researcher with an MSc degree in Chemistry, with clear multidisciplinary interest in the field of development and translation of diagnostic agents for bacterial infection imaging. 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. In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required

The successful candidate will be able to develop his or her research skills within highly experienced and internationally recognized research groups. A four years PhD position, for 32-36 hours of work per week, with a salary of € 3.017 ,- gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 3.824,- gross per month in the last fourth year (scale PhD). The estimated start date will be 1st of September 2024. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, an 8.3% end- of-year bonus and a development budget. The terms 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. UMCG is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative research environment, and strong support for career development, providing a fertile ground for innovative and impactful research. The Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging is part of the UMCG. It has well-established structural international research collaborations with academic partners.

Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to participate in courses offered by the Graduate School of Sciences. The aim of the PhD program is to prepare candidates for a career as independent scientist. And at least as important as a pleasant working environment is a pleasant living environment. Groningen is a thriving university city set in quiet, spacious surroundings.