Master thesis project
Are you eager to work in a scientific setting while staying connected to real-world applications? Do you want to collaborate with skilled scientists to develop procedures that will create value for future drug development and healthcare? Then making your master’s thesis at Minerva Imaging may be just the right thing for you.
Project description
Radiotherapy is one of the pillars to treat oncological malignancies. Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is emerging as a promising treatment strategy as well. Unfortunately, resistance to radiation-based therapies remains a clinical challenge. The combination of radiation-based therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors has synergistic potential and could help to overcome this hurdle.
The effects of radiation on the immune system are of paramount clinical importance. The mechanism between radiation-induced cell damage and immune cells is complex and balances between immune-stimulatory and -inhibitory effects which strongly influence antitumor activity.
Establishing animal models to uncover mechanisms driving radiation resistance in cancer is essential to improve radiopharmaceutical drug development. Evaluating radiation-based therapies in murine tumor models with an intact immune system will help us gain greater understanding of radiation biology, resistance mechanisms, and interaction with immune cells. With this project we are therefore leveraging our expertise in the field.
Project objectives
The objective of this project is to evaluate radiosensitivity in a panel of clinically-relevant murine syngeneic tumor models and the effect of combining radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition on treatment resistance.
- In this project you will first establish a library of 5-8 syngeneic mouse models investigating murine tumor sensitivity to external beam radiation (EBR) in immunocompetent mice.
- Then, 1-2 models (sensitive vs. resistant) will be selected for combination treatment studies of EBR with common immunotherapies, and radiosensitizers.
- Ex vivo methods on tumors, lymph nodes, and blood will be used to evaluate immune activation and DNA damage response, such as flow cytometry, IHC, IDEXX hematology.
- If the project allows it, a combination treatment from part II that has shown synergy will be repeated, and mice will undergo molecular imaging to visualize positive CD8 cytotoxic T cells.
Applied methods
- Culturing of cancer cells
- Subcutaneous inoculation of cancer cells
- Treatment with external beam radiation
- Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiosensitizers
- In vivo tumor growth monitoring by caliper measurements
- Ex vivo evaluation of tumor microenvironment e.g. flow cytometry
- If relevant, µPET/CT imaging
Project success criteria
At the end of the project period, the student will have created and characterized a library of syngeneic mouse models, and their respective radiosensitivity. Additionally, the student will have evaluated efficacy of EBR and immune checkpoint inhibitor combination treatment, including ex vivo validation. Lastly, if time allowed and results were positive, the student will also have evaluated immune activation in vivo, using molecular imaging. The student will have gained valuable insights into the drug development industry, developed practical problem-solving skills and improved their communication and collaboration skills while gaining hands-on experience bridging academic learnings and industry practices.
The MI Scholar Program
As a master student you will be part of our internal Minerva Imaging Scholar Program. The program is designed to support Minerva Imaging’s continued development as a scientifically driven CRO and focuses on developing novel tools and procedures that expand the capabilities in our focus areas.
The project period is 9-12 months, and the start date is flexible although Q3 (August/September), 2025 is preferred. The project is open as both a master’s project and/or research year project. The research year is a unique opportunity to delve deeper into a topic and get a closer look at the world of research and life as a researcher. As a master’s project, it will also be possible to combine the project with a student job at Minerva Imaging. Throughout the project you will be assigned to an internal senior scientist that will supervise you.
Your profile
The ideal candidate is driven by applied science and enjoys in vivo work. It is essential that you have a positive attitude, are proactive, take ownership of the project and drive it forward. It is also important that you set high quality standards for data deliveries.
You should be on a relevant master’s program (Human Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, DVM, engineer or other nature and life sciences programs). It is an advantage if you have already passed a course in laboratory animal science (FELASA category AD or similar), but it is not a requirement.
Application:
If you are interested in the project and want to learn more, please reach out to Department Manager, Helle Jacobsen; email: hjj@minervaimaging.com. Please submit your application via our website. The application must include a short, motivated cover letter and a CV. Applications are evaluated continuously.
About Minerva Imaging:
Minerva Imaging is a scientifically driven and integrated CRO and CDMO specialized in targeted radionuclide therapies. We focus on the use of advanced animal models within oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and in vivo molecular imaging for translational research and drug development.
We engage with our sponsors to understand their scientific questions and discuss how our methods and capabilities can provide answers. Our facility located in Ølstykke, Denmark offers best–in–industry fully integrated radiopharmaceutical research, drug development, and manufacturing services.
Minerva Imaging is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
