PhD scholarship in Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry - DTU Health Tech

Applications are invited from enthusiastic and talented individuals for a PhD scholarship in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and drug development. The scholarship is embedded in a consortium, involving the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) and Rigshospitalet, in collaboration with McGill University Health Center (Montreal, Canada).

Project Description

As a PhD candidate, you will join our efforts to develop innovative radiopharmaceutical technologies for treating cancer with radionuclides. We design, radiolabel, and synthesize radiopharmaceuticals and related compounds from scratch, using organic and inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, polymer- and nanotechnology. 

Within this field, you will join a team and focus on the development of a new technology for protection of the salivary glands during PSMA-targeted radionuclide therapy. These drugs, such as Novartis’ recently approved Pluvicto for prostate cancer, may destroy the salivary glands because these tissues also express PSMA. This can cause severe xerostomia (dry mouth) and is a major treatment-limiting complication in some patients. In this project, we will develop a new preventive intervention to protect the salivary glands and decrease the occurrence of this debilitating side effect. As our tools, we will use cutting-edge click-chemistry, and radiochemical techniques, as well as biocompatible polymers and biomaterials. The technology will be tested in relevant animal models. Your tasks will be to carry out organic synthesis of precursor materials, along with radiolabeling procedures involving advanced radionuclides, especially for PET imaging. In addition, you will be involved in animal testing of the interventions in rodents and larger animals. 

Your main place of work and employment will be at DTU. The bulk of the scientific work will be carried out at cutting-edge laboratories in the Copenhagen Capital region, including the Hevesy Laboratory (DTU Health Tech, Risø Campus), DTU Lyngby Campus, the University of Copenhagen (Matthias Herth Group) and Rigshospitalet (Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology). During the project, you will in addition undertake an external stay of minimum 3 months duration at the McGill University Health Center, where the focus will be on proof-of-concept in large animals in a hospital setting. 

Your qualifications

You must have (or be about to obtain) a master's degree in chemical engineering, synthetic and analytical chemistry, pharmacy, or similar, with a clear biology component in addition to chemistry. 

Further, you must:

1. Have knowledge of practical and theoretical organic/medicinal chemistry
2. Have knowledge of general physiology and pharmaceuticals
3. Have a desire to plan and participate in animal studies
4. Have an excellent command of the English language, spoken and written
5. Have an excellent educational track record
6. Be driven, enthusiastic and highly ambitious

It will also be considered highly advantageous, but not requirements, that you:

1. Have experience with radiochemistry
2. Have experience with animal experiments
3. Have experience with polymer modification
4. Have experience with drug delivery systems and biomaterials

In your application cover letter, please specify exactly and clearly which of the above points you believe that you cover, and which you do not.

Approval and Enrolment 

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education

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We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 June 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

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Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Scientist Andreas I. Jensen, atijedtu.dk

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You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark

. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar

” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 April 2024 (23:59 Danish time)

. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file

containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file

. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter, maximum 1 page, font size 12)
• Curriculum vitae, including list of publications with your contributions explained if you are not the first author (maximum 3 pages)
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale.

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Health Tech educates the engineers of the future and develop new technology and solutions with a vision to improve people's life before, during and after they are patients. We do this in close collaboration with the health sector, industry, academia, and other health partners, because we believe that the best results and ideas often occur in a close collaboration between different sectors. At DTU Health Tech, we have identified six Flagships that define our department, and where we in particular invite external partners for collaboration. The department's unique interdisciplinary academic environment with competences in among other things physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and computer science support our goal of developing world-class technology, knowledge, and innovation in the health area to benefit patients and society.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.