Lund University, division Medical Radiation Physics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Researcher in Medical Radiation Physics, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging of Soft tissue biopsies
The Researcher position is a part of an Interdisciplinary Research collaboration on synchrotron based imaging of Carotid Plaque, funded by the Swedish research council (VR); A collaboration between the faculties of Natural sciences and Medicine at Lund University. The candidate will be employed at faculty of Natural sciences, and will work closely together with colleagues in the medical faculty.

The Department of Medical Radiation Physics has research divisions covering all aspects of medical physics, such as radiation therapy, mathematics and physics of medical imaging, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance. Environmental radiology, biological effects of radiation and radiation protection for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are other important fields of scientific interest.

Description
Carotid Plaque x-ray microscopy study.

In the clinical routine it is difficult to differentiate hemosiderin and calcifications as components of atherosclerotic plaques. Proper quantification of the atherosclerotic plaque components can be difficult to do with histology, as many slices are broken when cut in the microtome. To attempt a 3D quantification, we have scanned human carotid plaque samples with MRI (in vivo), and with micro-MRI and x-ray phase contrast CT (ex-vivo).

Further data has been collected at the NanoMAX beamline of the Max IV synchrotron, providing x-ray fluorescence mapping (XRF) with 200 nm resolution on thin slices of the carotid plaque specimens.

The aim of this study is to correlate the images obtained with the above-mentioned methods and to bridge the resolution gap from clinical MRI to nano-XRF. With the speciation capacity of XRF, we can classify calcifications that are otherwise hard to identify in MRI alone.

Job assignment
The main task for the researcher will be to conduct data analysis of primarily nano-XRF imaging data from experiments at NanoMAX and do correlation with the x-ray phase contrast micro-CT data.

The activities are located at the Department of Medical Radiation Physics in Lund.

Entry requirements
A formal requirement for the position is a PhD degree in physics, medical radiation physics, or similar.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish advanced data analysis and publication of the results.

Other requirements
Good knowledge in programming (e.g. C, python or MATLAB) is a requirement.
The applicant must be fluent in speaking and writing English.

Other qualifications that will be considered are:

- Experience of work in XRF or other element speciation modalities based on electronic of nuclear interactions, evidenced for example by a PhD thesis in the topic.

- Emphasis will also be put on good communication and cooperation skills

Basis of Assessment
The selection to this research position is based on the expected ability to perform well in the project. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

  • Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.
  • Estimated ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on previous research experiences, a PhD thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
  • Skills in written and oral communication.
  • Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience

Other assessment criteria
We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes.
The selection of the successful candidate will be based on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, the requirements indicated above, and the ability to cope with the challenges outlined in the anticipated assignments. 

Terms of employment
The researcher position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in the above mentioned research project. The duration of contract is 6 months full time employment.

Application procedure
Applications must contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include a CV, a copy of the applicant’s PhD thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 15th of July, as soon possible
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2020/2359
Contact
  • Martin Bech, Senior lecturer, +46 46 178542, martin.bech@med.lu.se
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
Published 29.Jun.2020
Last application date 12.Jul.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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