PhD student in Modelling Cellular Damage after Targeted Radionuclide Therapy

Job description

In this PhD project, you will perform in-depth investigations into the cellular processing of radiopharmaceuticals coupled to different therapeutic radionuclides. You will explore various mechanisms of cell damage and treatment efficacy to understand how the treatment works, and ultimately why some patients do not respond to Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT). By correlating absorbed doses to cellular damage, your work will contribute to more effective personalized cancer treatments.

• Performing in-depth investigations into the cellular processing and damage mechanisms of therapeutic radionuclides.
• Applying 2D and 3D cell culture models to study radiopharmaceutical uptake and trafficking.
• Developing standard operating procedures for measuring mitochondrial damage, DNA damage, and the DNA damage response.
• Analyzing cellular responses to treatment, focusing specifically on senescence and apoptosis.
• Sharing experimental data with dosimetry experts to develop novel models for predicting treatment effects.

As a PhD student, you will be based at the Erasmus MC, but you are expected to travel to collaborating partners for the execution of specific analyses. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to move the field of nuclear medicine forward and directly impact patient care.

Work environment

The department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine at the Erasmus MC is at the forefront of radionuclide imaging and treatment and has a strong world-wide reputation in radiopharmaceutical development, preclinical evaluation, translational studies, and clinical translation. The department consists of multiple preclinical and clinical nuclear medicine and radiology research teams, each with their own expertise, that have strong collaboration, all with the aim of moving the field forward and impacting patient care.

The Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking research, we aim to push boundaries through leading the way in research, education and healthcare to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow. The institute offers state-of-the-art research facilities, including advanced irradiation platforms and molecular biology laboratories. You will be enrolled in the Erasmus MC Graduate School and benefit from a structured PhD training program.

The project will be supervised by Dr. Simone Dalm. The project is part of the FORCCE consortium, funded by PIANOFORTE. 

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in cellular biology and a passion for cancer research. You are a communicative team player who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment and is willing to travel for scientific collaborations. You recognize yourself in the following:

• A Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular/Cell Biology, Radiation Biology, or a related field.
• A strong interest in cancer research and the ambition to successfully complete a PhD program.
• Experience with cell culture and molecular biology (experience with 3D models or radiofarmaca is a plus).
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, international team.
• Excellent communication skills and high proficiency in written and spoken English.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 3.108,- in the 1st year and it gradually increases to € 3.939,- in the 4th year (scale OIO) based on a full-time workweek of 36 hours. 
  A salary increase of 3,5% from July 2026, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA)
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for your arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to dr Simone Dalm, Associate Professor and groupleader, via mail or by phone.

No agencies please.