PhD – Radiotheranostics For Neuroblastoma Imaging - Werken bij Prinses Maxima Centrum

The Theranostics Research Group is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate.

The position

This PhD project is focused on preclinical development of diagnostic theranostics to visualize novel membrane receptor targets in neuroblastoma. Your supervisors will be Prof. Max van Noesel (Clinical Director Solid Tumors at the Máxima), Dr. Alex Poot (Head of the Theranostics Research Group at UMC Utrecht and the Máxima) and Dr. Berend van der Wildt (Radiopharmaceutical Scientist at UMC Utrecht and the Máxima). Based on your scientific results you will present your data at scientific conferences, publish in scientific journals to write and defend a PhD-thesis based on the publications. As PhD candidate you will be embedded and follow courses at one of the Graduate Schools of the Utrecht University.

Education and skills

The successful candidate will have a master degree in (bio)chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, oncology or an affiliated study with an extensive training in preclinical and translational research. A license to work with radioactive nuclides and/or perform animal research is beneficial. As this research is multidisciplinary and will be both in the Princess Maxima Center and the UMC Utrecht, you are a team player with good communication skills. You are pro-active, willing to pioneer within this interdisciplinary research field and able to come with creative solutions to complex problems.

Our job offer

A temporary, full-time PhD position for a total duration of 4 years (36 hours/week), in an ambitious and dynamic team. You will initially be contracted for a period of 1 year, after which your performance will be evaluated, and the contract may be extended for the remaining years. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘cao algemene ziekenhuizen’. Your gross monthly salary will be in FWG 45-6 and will include an 8,33% gross monthly salary holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus.

Theranostics Research Group

The Theranostics Research Group aims to develop novel radiotheranostics for imaging and therapy of childhood cancer. Thereby the group develops radiotheranostics for novel tumor targets by labeling ligands, e.g. small molecules, peptides or biologicals, which are preclinically evaluated and validated. Thereby, our ultimate goal is to translate the novel radiotheranostics towards clinical research and practice, to improve and personalize childhood cancer therapy. This multidisciplinary research comprises radiochemical developments, in vitro evaluation on tumoroids and tissues as well as the in ovo and in vivo evaluation using PDX models. With this research, we generate innovative radiotheranostics that will ultimately impact the way we see and treat childhood cancer.

The Theranostics Research Group works closely together with the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department of the UMC Utrecht, a leading institute for developing theranostics, nuclear imaging, and image-guided therapies. Here PhD-candidates collaborate with other specialists within this department, i.e., clinical physicists, nuclear workers and research technicians, to make a difference and strive for the best in personalized nuclear medicine

The Princess Máxima Center

The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is an integrated hospital and research institute, which integrates healthcare, research and education on pediatric cancer, in a single location in Utrecht. Our institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.

Apply for this position?

If you are passionate about radiochemical & biomedical research and eager to join a dynamic and collaborative team, please apply before November 16^th 2025 by pressing the ‘apply button’ on this page.

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