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.
Essential experience and skills:
- You have a PhD in radiochemistry, radiopharmaceutical chemistry or engineering
- You demonstrate a clear interest in drug development and translational, bench-to-bedside research
- You have a high level of independence, motivation, and problem-solving ability
- You possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent English skills written and spoken
- Minium two first-author peer-reviewed publications
Desirable experience and skills:
· Experience or interest in radiopharmaceutical chemistry (prior experience not required)
· Experience with engineering
- You have hands-on experience with automatization
- Interest in grant writing, project development, and scientific leadership
We value curiosity, scientific ambition, and a willingness to engage with challenging problems at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine.
Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories for organic chemistry, radiochemistry and evaluation experiments.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is June 1st or shortly thereafter.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39,000 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.
Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.
Questions
For further information please contact Matthias Herth; Matthias.herth@sund.ku.dk; www.sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).
Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
- List of publications.
Deadline for applications: March, 1sT 2026, 23.59pm CET
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Interviews are expected to be held in the end of March.
The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.