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

• We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position, starting June 1st, 2026, or shortly thereafter. The position is part of the Grand Solution project Astrathera, which aims to develop astatinated radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of advanced cancers, including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).  
• The postdoc will be embedded in a strongly translational consortium spanning pharmacy, physics, CMC development, GMP manufacturing, and biological evaluation, with the goal of advancing novel radiopharmaceuticals to first-in-human studies.  
• The main task will be to develop new radiolabeling strategies for astatine-211–labeled drug candidates targeting metastatic NETs, including upscaling, automation, and transfer to synthesis modules in collaboration with radiopharmaceutical companies. A key objective is to establish robust, transferable CMC methodologies suitable for Phase I clinical production.  
• The position offers hands-on experience with ²¹¹At-radiochemistry, as well as ¹³¹/¹²³I, ¹⁸F, and selected radiometals (e.g. ⁶⁸Ga, ¹¹¹In, potentially 72/74As), and close collaboration with chemists, biologists, and pharmacists evaluating the compounds in preclinical cancer models and GMP-compliant workflow.  
• 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

• In this position, you will take a leading role in the development and implementation of advanced radiolabeling methodologies for astatine-211. Your work will cover the full radiochemical workflow, including the isolation of ²¹¹At from irradiated targets, optimization of labeling conditions to minimize radiolysis, and the development of on-demand and cassette-based labeling approaches. These activities will be carried out in close collaboration with industrial, CMC, and engineering partners, with the primary focus on radiochemical design, process definition, and translational implementation rather than standalone hardware engineering.
• A central responsibility will be the establishment of robust, automated radiolabeling procedures, including solid-phase separation strategies and the transfer of newly developed chemistries onto synthesis modules, in close collaboration with radiopharmaceutical companies. You will contribute to the design and implementation of novel devices and process solutions aimed at improving astatine recovery, yield, and radiochemical stability, and enabling reliable, scalable, and decentralized production concepts.
• Device and module development will be performed together with specialized engineering and industrial partners, while the postdoc will lead the radiochemical concepts, validation, and implementation on existing and emerging platforms.
• You will further develop and automate light-mediated and other innovative labeling reactions, with a strong focus on process robustness, reproducibility, and translational readiness. Throughout the project, you will work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacists, and CMC/GMP and industrial partners to ensure that all methodologies are compatible with preclinical evaluation and future clinical manufacturing. Through this role, you will directly contribute to establishing next-generation ²¹¹At radiolabeling platforms and support their progression toward clinical application within a highly collaborative, international consortium.

  Profile

• We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in radiochemistry, radiopharmaceutical chemistry or engineering and a clear interest in translational drug development.