Developing stationary phases for next-generation ²²⁵Ac/²¹³Bi generators

This PhD is a joint collaboration between KU Leuven, VITO and PanTera, combining academic research, applied technological development and industrial expertise in radionuclide production. You will pursue your doctorate at KU Leuven under the academic supervision of Prof. Thomas Cardinaels. The experimental research will be conducted primarily at VITO in Mol, Belgium, in close collaboration with KU Leuven and PanTera, which funds the project. This setting offers the opportunity to work across institutional and disciplinary boundaries, connecting fundamental insights into materials and separation chemistry with the practical requirements of radionuclide generator technology. Project Targeted alpha therapy uses radionuclides to deliver radiation selectively to cancer cells, aiming to maximise therapeutic impact while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Among the radionuclides relevant to this approach, ²¹³Bi offers a short-lived, complementary option to the longer-lived ²²⁵Ac. A ²²⁵Ac/²¹³Bi generator allows fresh ²¹³Bi to be recovered on demand from a source of ²²⁵Ac. Its performance depends critically on the stationary phase: the material must retain ²²⁵Ac effectively while enabling rapid and reproducible recovery of high-purity ²¹³Bi. It must also withstand demanding operating conditions, including strongly acidic environments and prolonged exposure to ionising radiation. Although various sorbent materials have been investigated, chemical and radiation stability remain important challenges. Moreover, promising results obtained with powders do not necessarily translate into reliable performance under flow conditions in an operational generator. Your PhD will bridge this gap between functional materials and working separation systems. You will develop advanced shaping and surface-modification strategies to create three-dimensional porous stationary phases with tailored surface chemistry. The aim is to combine selective radionuclide separation with accessible binding sites, favourable flow properties and robust performance under realistic conditions. Your Research Will Focus On
• Material design and shaping: developing porous structures with architectures suited to efficient flow-through separation.
• Surface functionalisation: introducing and optimising chemical functionalities that enable selective separation of ²¹³Bi from ²²⁵Ac.
• Characterisation and stability: investigating structure–property relationships and resistance to acidic conditions and radiation-induced degradation.
• Dynamic performance: evaluating separation efficiency, recovery, purity and reproducibility under conditions relevant to radionuclide generators. You will work closely with researchers across the partner organisations and communicate your findings through scientific publications, presentations and a doctoral thesis. Profile We are looking for a curious and committed researcher who enjoys combining fundamental understanding with hands-on experimental work.
• You hold a master’s degree in chemistry or materials science or equivalent.
• You have a strong interest in functional materials, surface chemistry and radiochemical separations, and are motivated to develop expertise across these fields.
• You combine strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative, critical and hands-on approach.
• You work carefully and systematically, value safe laboratory practice, and can contribute both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• You communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Offer

We offer
a funded PhD opportunity with clear societal relevance, focused on developing enabling technology for targeted alpha therapy. You will benefit from the complementary expertise of a university, an applied research organisation and an industrial partner active in radionuclide production. The project provides an opportunity to build a distinctive research profile spanning materials development, surface functionalisation, radiochemistry and separation technology. Your work will connect fundamental scientific questions with practical technological challenges, with the ambition of contributing to more reliable and accessible production of ²¹³Bi for targeted alpha therapy. Interested? Please submit your application through the KU Leuven online application system, including your CV, a motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and relevant experience, and copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts. For further information about the project, please contact Prof. Thomas Cardinaels, mail to: thomas.cardinaels@kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than October 30, 2026 via the online application tool KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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