Postdoc in Medicinal Chemistry at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology

• We are seeking a highly motivated, dynamic, and ambitious postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position, starting June 1st or shortly thereafter. The position is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and focuses on the development of combined radioligand-supported CAR T cell therapies for ovarian cancer. The successful candidate will be embedded in a large, highly translational consortium dedicated to CAR T cell research and preclinical therapy, offering close interaction with experts across chemistry, radiopharmaceutical development, immunotherapy, and translational oncology.
• Within this interdisciplinary framework, the primary task will be to develop molecular targeting modules that guide CAR T cells to the tumor, enable selective activation at the tumor site, and support molecular imaging and radioligand therapy using the same shared targeting entity.
• Information on the department can be found at: http://www.ilf.ku.dk

Our research

• Our research group develops radiopharmaceuticals for theranostic applications, with a focus on radiohalogens. We pursue a bench-to-bedside approach, spanning molecular design, radiochemistry, in vitro and in vivo evaluation, molecular imaging, and therapy studies. Using structure–activity relationship analysis, advanced radiolabelling technologies, and machine-learning-supported optimization, we aim to improve selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficacy. Our work primarily targets small-molecule radiopharmaceuticals, while also including larger biomolecules such as monoclonal antibodies and nanobodies, particularly via pretargeted strategies. A unique strength of the group is the routine use of astatine-211 for targeted α-therapy. Our research is interdisciplinary, team-oriented, and embedded in a strong international network, with three successful clinical translations to date.

Your job

• As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work at the interface of medicinal chemistry, bioconjugation, radiochemistry, and CAR T cell engineering to develop molecular targeting modules for radioligand-supported CAR T cell therapies in ovarian cancer. Your primary responsibility will be to design and implement molecular targeting modules that (i) guide CAR T cells selectively to tumor tissue, (ii) enable local and conditional activation at the tumor site, and (iii) allow molecular imaging and radioligand therapy using the same shared targeting entity.
• Within our consortium, you will closely collaborate with experts in immunotherapy, radiopharmaceutical development, and translational oncology. Your work will span chemical design and synthesis, site-specific modification of targeting biomolecules, and radiolabelling with diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides. You will contribute to the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the developed targeting modules and support their integration into preclinical CAR T cell therapy studies.
• The position offers the opportunity to work in a research environment with routine access to advanced radiochemistry infrastructure, including astatine-211–based targeted α-therapy, and to contribute to pretargeted imaging and therapy strategies with clear translational potential. You will be expected to actively participate in data analysis, publication of results in high-impact journals, and presentation at international conferences, as well as to contribute to the scientific exchange within the consortium.

The position offers exposure to rare radionuclide chemistry, translational development, and close interaction with clinical partners, providing strong preparation for an independent academic or industry career.   Profile

• We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in medicinal or organic chemistry and a clear interest in translational drug development and biomolecule-directed chemical approaches.