PhD Position Medical Physics- Medical Informatics

PhD Position in Medical Physics and Medical Informatics

PhD Medical Physics- Medical Informatics

Job description

Medical Physics and Medical Informatics have evolved into vital sections of health technology, contributing to both diagnostics and therapeutics. Therapeutic applications of radiation are continuously evolving, incorporating innovative techniques for optimization. Radionuclide therapy is a technique designed to target cancerous cells while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues. During radionuclide therapy, radioactive pharmaceuticals are injected into the body and emit low-ranged ionizing particles. Consequently, dosimetric studies must explore how radiation interacts with living cells and their DNA.

To this end, Monte Carlo simulations (MCs) can enhance our understanding of cellular damage caused by ionizing particles such as alpha and beta. MCs represent the state-of-the-art approach for dosimetric and micro-dosimetric investigations. However, MCs are computationally intensive and require optimization to be effectively integrated into clinical practice. Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods have long been employed as tools to assist with medical diagnosis and inverse planning in radiation therapy.

The recruited PhD candidate will investigate radiobiological damage induced by ionising particles, emitted by various radionuclides (Ac-225, Pb-212, Lu-177, Ho-166 and similar), using MCs. The candidate will also implement Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and/or Diffusion Models to optimize the estimation of energy deposition, the diffusion of chemical reactant induced by radiolysis, and the calculation of DNA damage. These advancements will facilitate the optimization of radionuclide therapy by integrating computational techniques for real-time cellular damage estimation.

The department of Radiation Science and Technology focuses on research and education in materials, energy and health with radiation as the common denominator. Fields of interest are medical radioisotopes, materials for energy storage, technologies for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, advanced instrument development and sustainable nuclear energy.

The section Applied Radiation & Isotopes (ARI), where this project will be based, is responsible for projects on the production of radionuclides, the optimization of radionuclide therapy, the dosimetric optimization, the application of radiotracers in life science, and the combination of radiation therapy with other modalities.

Job requirements

We seek a motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate who:

• Holds an MSc in a relevant discipline, such as medical physics, medical informatics, applied sciences, informatics, chemical engineering, radiochemistry, or nuclear physics/chemistry;
• Blends creativity with a rigorous academic approach;
• Possesses strong computational skills, including proficiency in tools like Python, Geant4, TensorFlow, or similar;
• Preferably demonstrates knowledge on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Diffusion Models, or similar techniques;
• Exhibits excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Thrives in a multidisciplinary team environment and collaborates effectively with others;
• Brings a proactive, team-oriented mindset to their work.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Konstantinos Chatzipapas, via k.chatzipapas@tudelft.nl.