Doctoral student in Medical Radiation Physics with focus on experimental x-ray imaging - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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.

Department website: www.msf.lu.se. Link to the general syllabus for postgraduate students at Medical Radiation Physics can be found at the faculty website: https://www.science.lu.se/education/phd-studies

The PhD position is in the “Experimental X-ray Group” at Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University. The position is part of an interdisciplinary research environment with collaborations between researchers in Physics, Medicine, and Computer science. The candidate will be employed at Lund University, and will work closely together with colleagues at Skåne University Hospital and the 3D imaging center at DTU, Denmark.

The main focus of the Experimental X-ray group is to develop methods and applications for x-ray microscopy and micro-tomography of biological tissue. In the group we have two laboratories for x-ray micro- and nano-tomography on site, and we frequently travel to synchrotron radiation facilities abroad for imaging experiments.

Subject description
The field of x-ray microscopy and micro-tomography has rapidly developed over the past few decades, and new contrast modalities such as phase contrast and dark-field contrast have become available in the x-ray regime. By utilizing the physical properties of x-ray waves and their interaction with matter, we work towards complementary x-ray microscopy methods and their applications in biomedical imaging.

Standard histopathological methods in clinical research involve physical slicing of the tissue samples for microscopic imaging with visible light; a powerful method yet limited to two-dimensional sections. Many fields of biomedical research can benefit from volumetric imaging, to e.g. track vascularization, connectivity and morphological variations. With x-ray imaging, 3D-microscopy becomes a possibility.

In the experimental x-ray group at the Department for Medical Radiation Physics (Lund University), we possess two laboratory stations equipped with micro- and nano-focus x-ray sources for method development.

We are now seeking motivated and skilled PhD students to join our group.

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also  include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The main task for the doctoral student will be to use computer simulation tools to predict wave-propagation phenomena in optical elements, and to experimentally confirm new geometries in x-ray grating interferometry. The simulations will be based on in-house developed python code for wave-propagation and the X-ray imaging experiments will take place in Lund and at international synchrotron radiation facilities.

As a PhD student in this team, you will play an active role in the development of new and better x-ray micro-tomography of soft tissue. With a special focus on micro- and nano-focus x-ray tubes, your work will be pushing the limits of grating based micro-CT.  

The successful candidate would have the possibility to help with supervising Master students. The activities are located at the Department of Medical Radiation Physics in Lund. However, occasional travels to synchrotron radiation facilities are to be expected. Further, a longer stationing/secondment in a different research environment is encouraged.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Medical radiation physics if he or she has:

• a Master of Science in Medical Physics, or an equivalent international degree
• another degree meeting the general admission requirements (240 credits) and including at least 60 credits of direct relevance for the student’s third-cycle studies and a degree project of at least 30 credits, preferably in the field of experimental physics or similar

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge in programming (python)
• Basic education in the field of experimental physics of similar

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1.Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.

2.An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.

3.Written and oral communication skills

4.Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

5.The applicant should be interested in working in an international environment since a lot of the activities will be in collaboration with international partners.

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience of work in x-ray imaging or other imaging modalities, evidenced for example by a master thesis in the topic.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).