Would you like to work in the exciting and fast-growing field of radiopharmaceutical development for cancer treatment? And do you have hands-on experience with radiochemistry? If so, we invite you to apply for the postdoc position in our research group at the Research Unit of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine at the Department of Clinical Research , Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Southern Denmark (SDU) in Odense, Danmark. The two-year postdoc position is available as soon as possible.

About us

Our Preclinical Research Group is a dynamic, multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in radiochemistry, nuclear physics, biomedicine, and molecular biology. We are primarily focused on developing and evaluating new radiopharmaceuticals for PET-imaging and receptor-targeted precision radiotherapies of cancer using unconventional radionuclides.

Our mission

We aim to improve the treatment of aggressive cancers (such as brain and breast cancer) by developing effective treatments that target cancer stem cells. Our innovative approach involves theranostic technologies and novel drug delivery techniques. We utilize a unique class of targeted radioactive molecules that deliver precise radiation doses, capable of eradicating cancer cells at the single cell level.

The position

The postdoc will be involved in a Synergy project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (“Image and Destroy: New Radionuclides for Cancer Theranostics”). The project is a collaboration with the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark (Professor Christine McKenzie), and with a group at Dublin City University in Ireland specializing in medicinal inorganic chemistry (Professor Andrew Kellett). The research goal will be to develop cancer targeting peptides with chelators suitable for binding radioactive theranostic isotope pairs of metal ions (Sb, Co, Cu, Ga) for application in diagnostics and cancer therapy.

Expected competences include a strong experience in chemical synthesis, coordination chemistry, and preferentially a background in radiochemistry. Experience in radionuclide production and purification will be advantageous.

Key responsibilities

Solid target based production of radioactive isotopes
Development and characterization of new radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radionuclide therapy of brain cancer

Expectations of qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious scientists with:

A PhD degree in chemistry, pharmacy, or a similar field
Experience in radiochemistry or radiopharmaceutical development is an advantage
Good communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment
Full proficiency in spoken and written English.

Potential applicants must be postdoc-qualified in accordance with Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities .

Research environment

The research unit is domiciled in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital and is engaged in research and development within the field of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. The unit carries out clinical and basic research of high quality in collaboration with hospital departments and centers at OUH, the University of Southern Denmark, and national and international partners.

Our clinical research widely utilizes apparatus and equipment in use for functional diagnostics and molecular imaging in the daily routine. The research unit is equipped with five PET/CTs, one PET/MR, four SPECT/CTs, and three gamma cameras as well as two cyclotrons, radiopharmaceutical and radiochemical laboratories. We also have a cell laboratory for studying cellular uptake and response to diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.

In collaboration with the Biomedical Laboratory, SDU, mice and rats are examined in our Preclinical Imaging Core Facility using a dedicated PET/CT/SPECT scanner and soon a PET/MR scanner that are elements of the Danish Molecular Bioimaging Center (DaMBIC) at the SDU.

All research in the department is conducted to improve patient treatment, regardless of whether we study new clinical applications, specific atoms and isotopes, new radiochemical compounds, or cellular behavior and responses to intervention. Our research fields offer unique opportunities unmet by any other modalities, as PET/CT and PET/MR allow for tracing molecules in the organism. We expect that our examinations will have a significant impact on patient management and healthcare cost.

We offer a unique and stimulating work environment, both scientifically and socially, with close collaboration with other research groups at the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital. We provide great guidance and knowledge of radiopharmaceutical development and biological evaluation of novel compounds for cancer treatment.

Contact

For further information, please contact the Acting Head of the Department of Clinical Research, Dean, Professor Ole Skøtt at dekan@health.sdu.dk

The application deadline is May 26, 2024, at 23.59 hrs. CEST.

Conditions of employment

The employment takes place in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Organisation of the Academics.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “ Apply now ” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

A motivation letter
A CV
Copies of certificates/diplomas including evidence of acquisition of a PhD degree or equivalent
A complete and numbered list of publications
The 3 scientific, peer-reviewed publications that the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment of his or her scientific qualifications. (Please note that one PDF file must be attached for each publication).
A Research plan
An explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position.

Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted.

Assessment of (shortlisted) applicants will be done in accordance with the current/applicable university recruitment order. Applicants will be assessed by an expert committee, and applicant will be informed of their assessment by the university.

If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-support@sdu.dk

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Postdoc for Radiopharmaceutical Development