Postdoc 'Overcoming resistance mechanisms in pancreatic cancer and other solid cancers'
- Application Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026
- Nijmegen
- On-site
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a cutting-edge research line focused on overcoming resistance mechanisms in pancreatic cancer and other solid cancers. Using multidisciplinary fields such as peptide-based targeting, and nanomedicine platforms, you will design and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to potentiate chemo- and immunotherapy in vitro and in vivo.
Key Responsibilities
- Nanomedicine & Targeted Delivery: Design, evaluate, and characterize peptide-functionalized and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems tailored for targeted stromal modulation and enhanced therapeutic delivery.
- Preclinical Evaluation: Conduct rigorous in vitro and in vivo efficacy, bio-distribution, and mechanistic studies using PDAC disease models.
- Data Integration & Dissemination: Analyze multi-layered experimental data, prepare high-impact scientific manuscripts, and present findings at major international conferences.
- Project Leadership & Mentorship: Actively contribute to project management within the ERC framework, collaborate across multidisciplinary networks (biologists, clinicians, materials scientists, and pharmaceutical researchers), and mentor PhD candidates and junior researchers.
Place of work
You will join the multidisciplinary research group focused on translational oncology and targeted nanomedicine within Radboudumc. Our mission is to bridge the gap between benchtop drug discovery and clinical application, bringing innovative therapies to patients facing hard-to-treat malignancies like pancreatic cancer.
Team Structure
You will work within an agile, collaborative team of 8-10 researchers and staff. The team comprises a dynamic mix of postdocs, PhD candidates, research technicians, and visiting fellows, backed by close proximity to clinical oncologists and pharmaceutical scientists.
What Makes This Job Attractive & Special
- Direct Clinical Impact: Work at the cutting edge of translational nanomedicine and 3D tumor microenvironment modeling with a direct path toward clinical translation.
- High-Resource Ecosystem: Access state-of-the-art facilities right on site, including advanced microscopy (confocal and second-harmonic generation imaging), multi-laser flow cytometry cores, single-cell sequencing, and high-resolution spatial multi-omics platforms.
- Interdisciplinary Freedom: Enjoy an empowering environment where drug delivery, cancer biology, and bioengineering intersect, supported by strong European and national grant networks.
Workplace & Atmosphere: Where You’ll Be Working
- Modern Labs & Collaborative Spaces: Picture yourself working in bright, fully equipped biosafety labs designed for advanced nanoformulation, 3D bioprinting, cell culture, connected to modern, open-plan office spaces that foster spontaneous brainstorming and scientific exchange.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: You will regularly utilize dedicated facilities of high-content imaging systems, and organ-on-chip platforms tailored for complex tumor stroma co-culture research, in vivo work witj excellent imaging facility.
Skills & Requirements
Profile
Qualifications & Key Requirements:
- Education: A completed PhD in Cancer Biology, Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine, Molecular Medicine, or a closely related discipline.
- Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience in cancer cell biology, tumoral stroma dynamics, or microenvironment targeted therapy.
Methodological Skills:
- Proven hands-on expertise in nanomedicine formulation/characterization or targeted delivery systems.
- Solid grounding in standard molecular biology, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and histological/spatial analysis techniques.
- 3D tissue modeling (e.g., organoids, microfluidics/organ-on-chip, complex co-cultures, or 3D bioprinting).
- Experience with relevant preclinical in vivo oncology models (preferred).
Track Record: A strong publication record in top-tier peer-reviewed scientific journals relative to your career stage.
Soft Skills: Outstanding problem-solving skills, excellent command of written and spoken English, and a collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced scientific environment.
Good to know
- Starting postdoc position.
- For this position, you are required to live in or near Nijmegen, due to potential laboratory animal work in off hours.
- This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!
About the company
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health.
At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.
Jai Prakash | Contact Person
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