Job Description

 

Job description

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work on an exciting 2.5-year project to enhance therapeutic options for patients with neuroendocrine tumours. The postdoc will carry out cellular and preclinical dosimetry using (and acquiring if so desired) data from radiochemical/biological studies to create, characterise, and test new molecular radionuclide therapies beyond beta particle-emitters both in vitro and in vivo in tumour and healthy cells and tissues. Approaches will be both as single therapies and in combination with chemotherapies. Radionuclide imaging studies alongside the above data will be used to inform dosimetry. This post will work closely with a postdoc with biological expertise already in place.

Improvement of cancer treatment remains a priority as 28% of UK deaths are still attributable to cancer. Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), whilst rare, are the exemplar cancer type investigated here as they are hard to treat. External beam radiotherapy and molecular radionuclide therapy in the form of 177Lu-DOTATATE have enhanced survival for some NET patients, but the long-term outlook for most patients with advanced NETs remains poor.

This work will 1) directly influence future clinical trial design in neuroendocrine cancer patients undergoing injectable radioactive therapy as part of their treatment, 2) provide evidence to convert radionuclide therapy from palliative to curative options in cancer, and 3) provide key building blocks with which to create other effective radionuclide therapies as well as impactful combination therapies.

The work spans cellular and preclinical tumour and health organ dosimetry and can be easily carried out by somebody with Monte Carlo modelling skills and a good understanding of the basic radiation dosimetry principles. Optional experimental work spans molecular biology, in vitro cell studies and preclinical in vivo therapy and radionuclide SPECT and/or PET imaging studies, and radiobiology.

In this post, the successful candidate will work closely with Dr Terry, her team, and industrial collaborators at Perspective Therapeutics, as well as collaborate with other members of the Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology and scientists and clinicians at external institutions and universities.

The team is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all. See  https://www.radlab.uk/team and associated pages for more on who we are and what we do.

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 17 September 2026.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• Cellular dosimetry to determine whole cell and nuclear absorbed dose from a range of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals in a range of cells. 
• Whole body and organ/tumour-specific dosimetry based on preclinical imaging studies and ex vivo biodistribution studies. 
• Monte Carlo modeling of range of scenarios ranging from beta, alpha and Auger-electron emitters to determine radiopharmaceutical-specific requirements from a dosimetry/physics perspective for optimal therapeutic efficacy. 
• Accurate and comprehensive record keeping and robust documentation of data acquisition. 
• The job holder will regularly gather data, conduct detailed analyses and interpret standard data/information, reporting and presenting findings as appropriate. They will assist others to acquire or interpret research data, highlighting any issues. 
• Participate at conferences (national, international and internal conferences), including presenting posters and oral presentations. 
• Prepare manuscripts in collaboration with supervisors and other members of the Department. 
• Design and undertake experiments independently as well as in collaboration with others. 
• Supervise, train, and assist junior laboratory members. 
• Collaborate with other members of the department, lending skills to support other’s research, where appropriate.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria  

1. PhD awarded or near completion in radiobiology, computational modelling, medical physics or other relevant field 
2. BSc (2:1 or above) in Physics or other relevant field 
3. Highly computer literate with coding expertise, e.g. MATLAB, Python 
4. Expertise in dosimetry programmes and/or Monte Carlo modelling, e.g. MIRD, OLINDA 
5. The ability to take individual responsibility for planning and undertaking own work, according to clinical and scientific deadlines
6. Skills in presenting scientific research in the form of papers, posters and oral presentations 
7. Development of statistical and computational dosimetric methods if relevant 
8. Collaborative approach to scientific research and showcasing honesty and integrity 
9. Self-motivated to undertake scientific research and implement own initiatives 
10. Expertise in analysing in vitro and in vivo data to derive dosimetric parameters

Desirable criteria

1. Postdoctoral experience in radiobiology or computational modelling 
2. Experience applying radiation dosimetry principles  
3. Radiation training and knowledge of handling and safety of biological and radioactive materials 
4. Experience in calibration procedures  
5. Experience in small animal radionuclide imaging studies 

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