PhD software development optimizing thermoradiotherapy in oncology

Working at Amsterdam UMC

PhD software development optimizing thermoradiotherapy in oncology

Are you interested in the combination of technology and medical innovation? Help improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments through groundbreaking research into hyperthermia and radiotherapy. Apply now!

The project

Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment during which the temperature in the tumour is increased to 40-43°C. This rise significantly enhances the effectiveness of radiotherapy/chemotherapy without increasing side effects. Applications in cancer patients with e.g. cervical, bladder or recurrent breast tumours showed ~15-20% enhanced effectiveness by adding hyperthermia. The fundamental mechanisms through which hyperthermia improves outcome are not yet fully understood. Its clinical potential is therefore not yet optimally exploited: even higher effectiveness is possible.

Preclinical research will accelerate establishing optimal treatment protocols. Until recently, adequate equipment to mimic clinical hyperthermia treatments on a small preclinical scale did not exist. To this end, the ALBA micro8 device has been developed. This device consists of 8 miniature antennas in a ring to focus the heat delivery at the desired target location.

Effective use of this device in preclinical research requires reliable treatment planning software to determine device settings that deliver the desired temperature rise at ...

About your role

You will develop computer models to accurately predict and optimize the heat delivery by the ALBA micro8 device. Advanced numerical models accounting for relevant thermal processes should ensure the desired temperature rise at the specified target location.

In addition, you will develop biological models to account for the synergistic effect between hyperthermia and radiation, to enable optimization of the combined hyperthermia plus radiotherapy treatment.

The research will be finalized with a PhD thesis.

About you

• You have a MSc in physics or equivalent.
• You have practical experience with mathematical and numerical models in computer simulations and advanced programming in C/C++.
• You are analytical and have excellent communicative skills, and you work well in a multi-disciplinary research environment.
• You are able to effectively handle changes and setbacks, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in adjusting your work to new situations and challenges throughout the PhD trajectory.
• You have a good command of English.

Our offer

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 4 years.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

About your workplace

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

You will work at the Department of Radiation Oncology of Amsterdam UMC, location AMC. You will collaborate with biologists, physicists and clinicians at both locations of Amsterdam UMC. During the project, there will be a continuous collaboration with our industrial partners involved, Med-Logix Srl and RaySearch Laboratories. The Amsterdam UMC and the PI’s for this project are widely acknowledged as leading experts in the field of clinical, pre-clinical and technical research on hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

This project is a close collaboration with our industrial partners Med-Logix Srl, an Italian company specialized in modern hyperthermia equipment, and RaySearch Laboratories, a Swedish company developing state-of-the-art radiotherapy planning software. A team of experienced physicists, biologists and clinicians will be available for advice during the project.

Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. This means that we hope that everyone feels welcome in our organization and that we strive to offer equal opportunities to everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy.

"Amsterdam UMC is a place where innovation meets compassion. We are committed to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge research and a supportive work environment." Dr. Petra Kok, Researcher