Your future with us We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations. This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary. 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. 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 Master's or Diploma degree in chemistry, pharmacy or related area Strong background in organic synthesis Experience with radiochemistry and/or radiosynthesis (e.g., fluorine-18 or carbon-11) is desirable but not mandatory Proficiency in analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, TLC) Readiness to work with open radioactive materials Solid English skills (writing and speaking) Structured, independent, and precise working style Strong team spirit and interest in interdisciplinary research Work on an international and interdisciplinary research project Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for organic synthesis, radiochemistry, and molecular imaging Scientific training opportunities, including a PhD program and conference participation 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.