Radionuclide therapy (RNT) is a treatment for metastasized cancer in which radionuclides emitting radiation are used to kill tumor cells. Different radionuclides can be used among which 166Ho. This particular radionuclide has a relatively short-life, which makes supply to hospitals challenging. In this project, we aim at developing a 166Dy/166Ho radionuclide generator which will supply hospitals with 166Ho on site and on demand. This project is part of a large NWO (Dutch Research Council) funded consortium "UNRANU: UNderstanding the RAdiobiology of therapeutic medical radioNUclides". The project aims to unravel the radiobiological effects of different radioisotopes. You will collaborate with many stake holders from academia, industry and society (e.g. Erasmus MC, Radboudumc, Delft University of Technology, NRG|PALLAS, AlfaRim Medical, HUB Organoids MILabs, Quirem Medical, Radboud Translational Medicine B.V., Siemens Healthineers, TerThera b.v., URENCO Nederland, Von Gahlen, VSL National Metrology Institute, RIVM National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Wetenschapsknooppunt Radboud Universiteit).

In this project you will work on the development of a 166Dy/166Ho generator by combining concepts from different fields including nanotechnology (synthesizing dysprosium-based nanomaterials) and radiochemistry (radiochemical separation to selectively extract Ho-166). In addition to creating the new generator you will assess whether the produced Ho-166 conforms to the European pharmacopeia standards for clinical use. The research will be highly multidisciplinary, including all aspects of designing, synthesizing, characterizing, and fabricating the novel radionuclide generator in close collaboration with industry leaders and university hospitals.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student who

• has an MSc in a relevant field, such as chemical engineering, physical chemistry, inorganic or coordination chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry or similar
• combines creativity with a sound academic attitude;
• has excellent experimental skills;
• has excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking;
• is motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team;
• is a good team-player and able to work in a collaborative environment.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

For information about this vacancy, you can contact Dr.ir. Antonia Denkova, email A.G.Denkova@tudelft.nl.