YOUR FUTURE IN DETAIL

The Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging (IREMB) is looking for a PhD Student (f/m/x) (fixed-term for three years, starting as soon as possible).
This PhD position is part of the EU-funded international research project BATMAN (BOB1 as a therApeutic Target and bioMarker of AutoimmuNity to lymphoma progression), which aims to validate the transcriptional coactivator BOB1 as a therapeutic target and biomarker.
BOB1 plays a critical role in the development of B-cell lymphomas, a severe complication of Sjögren’s syndrome.
Within the BATMAN project, the main focus of research at IREMB is the development of a radiotracer for non-invasive imaging of BOB1 using positron emission tomography (PET).
To achieve this, the institute aims to prepare a radiofluorinated BOB1 inhibitor and assess its potential as a diagnostic tool. Apart from the synthesis of a suitable radiolabeling precursor and its 18F-fluorination, this will include a comprehensive preclinical evaluation of

the tracer. The evaluation will involve in vitro studies with various cell lines and other model systems, as well as in vivo studies with healthy rodents and a mouse model of Sjögren’s syndrome. The research will be conducted at IREMB in close collaboration with two partner institutions:

• Forschungszentrum Jülich (INM-5, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine – Nuclear Chemistry)
• University of Cologne (Department of Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry)

With excellent training opportunities and a highly interdisciplinary research environment, IREMB offers outstanding scientific networking opportunities and fosters collaboration with experts in radiochemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering.
Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

• Preparation of the radiolabeling precursor
• Synthesis of the 18F-labeled PET-tracer
• Analytical characterization of intermediates and target compounds (HPLC, MS, NMR)
• Assessment of the tracer stability
• Automation of the tracer synthesis
• Support of in vitro und in vivo evaluation of the tracer