This job offer was closed at 2025-11-07
PhD position on Development of PET Ligands Targeting Transmembrane Proteins
Job Vacancy
Research Field: Biological sciences
Sub Research:
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in organic chemistry to join our multidisciplinary research program dedicated to the development of novel PET ligands for imaging voltage-gated ion channels. The successful candidate will develop their PhD project under the supervision of Dr Ermal Ismalaj at the Molecular and Functional Imaging Unit at CICbiomaGUNE
Job Description & Benefits
Description:
The successful candidate is expected to design, synthesise, and characterise small-molecule ligands, as well as develop radiolabeling routes with short-lived radioisotopes, including carbon-11 and/or fluorine-18, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Beyond applying established methods, the candidate is expected to develop novel synthetic routes, explore new reactivity concepts, and implement innovative strategies in ligand design.
Our research program covers:
The development of imaging agents for fluorescence and PET
Novel methodologies in organofluorine chemistry
Greener and more sustainable synthetic routes for radiopharmaceutical development
The specific focus of this PhD project is the development of high-affinity small molecules for targeting voltage-gated ion channels. Building on our previous work on fluorescent ligands for L-type calcium channels, our current focus is on the development of PET ligands for in vivo imaging of L-type calcium channel isoforms. The novel ligands will be evaluated in-house in tissue, cell and in vivo models to assess selectivity, binding properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics.
The successful candidate is expected to design, synthesise, and characterise small-molecule ligands, as well as develop radiolabeling routes with short-lived radioisotopes, including carbon-11 and/or fluorine-18, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Beyond applying established methods, the candidate is expected to develop novel synthetic routes, explore new reactivity concepts, and implement innovative strategies in ligand design.
Our research program covers:
The development of imaging agents for fluorescence and PET
Novel methodologies in organofluorine chemistry
Greener and more sustainable synthetic routes for radiopharmaceutical development
The specific focus of this PhD project is the development of high-affinity small molecules for targeting voltage-gated ion channels. Building on our previous work on fluorescent ligands for L-type calcium channels, our current focus is on the development of PET ligands for in vivo imaging of L-type calcium channel isoforms. The novel ligands will be evaluated in-house in tissue, cell and in vivo models to assess selectivity, binding properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics.
Benefits:
Additional details:
https://www.cicbiomagune.es/job-offer-detail?id=43030
https://www.cicbiomagune.es/job-offer-detail?id=43030
Job Details
Program:
No
SESAM Number:
Type of Contract:
Temporary
Status:
Full-time
Hours/Week:
40
Company:
CIC biomaGUNE
Location:
Donostia - San Sebastián
SPAIN
Organization Contact
Name:
CIC biomaGUNE
Type:
Other
Dept/Lab:
Research in Biomaterials
Address:
Paseo Miramon 182, Parque Tecnológico de San Sebastian E-20014 Donostia - San Sebastian SPAIN
Email:
Website:
Phone/Fax:
Ph: +34 943 00 53 00
