Doctoral student in Medical Radiation Physics, Experimental X-ray imaging - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Doctoral student in Medical Radiation Physics with focus on Experimental X-ray imaging

The department of Medical Radiation Physics is engaged in research and education in ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and its use mainly in medical applications. The major areas are radiotherapy physics, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray physics, and nuclear medicine physics. The department's website is www.msf.lu.se.

The intended PhD work will be part of the department’s research group in experimental X-ray physics, and an interdisciplinary research environment with collaborations between researchers in physics and medicine. As a PhD student you will also work together with colleagues from Skåne University Hospital SUS, especially for the PCCT studies.

Subject description
The fields of X-ray microscopy and microtomography have developed rapidly over the past few decades, and new detectors enable energy-resolved spectral tomography. By exploiting the physical properties of X-ray light and its interaction with matter, we are working towards new complementary microscopy methods in biomedical imaging.

Standard histological methods in clinical research involve physical slicing of the tissue into thin slices for microscopic imaging with visible light; a powerful method yet limited to two-dimensional sections. For complete description of the tissue, such as description of the microvascular network and imaging of morphological structures with a focus on the size relationship between airway and associated vessels to map imaging landmarks at the sub-millimeter level, volumetric imaging methods are necessary. With photon counting detectors, we can perform energy-resolved micro-tomography in the lab and photon counting CT (PCCT) in the clinic.

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 method development in x-ray micro- and nano-tomography on site, and we frequently travel to synchrotron radiation facilities abroad for imaging experiments.

We are now looking for new motivated and talented PhD student to join the group.

Assignments
The main assignment for doctoral students is to devote themselves to their doctoral education, which includes both participation in research projects and doctoral courses. The assignments can also include participation in teaching and other departmental duties, up to a maximum 20% of the working time.

The main task will be to use so-called "Photon Counting" detectors for energy-resolved micro-tomography scanning (µCT) in the lab at the medical radiation physics department in Lund, and "Photon Counting-CT" (PCCT) in the clinic at Skåne University Hospital. Both µCT and PCCT will be performed on tissue samples of clinical relevance, to identify and map the relationship of what imaging actually visualizes with PCCT at submillimeter level in relation to underlying anatomy and possible pathology in µCT. One of the objectives is to ensure imaging-diagnostic landmarks.

As a PhD student in the experimental X-ray group, you will play an active role in the development of new and improved X-ray microtomography of soft tissues. With particular focus on energy resolving X-ray cameras, your work will push the boundaries of spectral micro-CT.
Within the framework of the PhD program, you will also have the opportunity to assist in the supervision of master students in the group.
The workplace is in Lund at the department of Medical Radiation Physics. In addition, there will be trips to international synchrotron facilities, and longer stays (secondment) in other research groups are encouraged.

Eligibility
Basic eligibility for third-cycle education is granted to those who have

• completed a degree at second-cycle level or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, with content relevant to third-cycle education, or
• in some other way acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

The specific entry requirements for Medical Radiation Physics are met by those who have:

• a Master of Science in Medical Physics, or an equivalent international degree, or
• 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.

Other requirements:

• - Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• - Basic education in experimental physics or equivalent.
• - Good knowledge in programming (Python)

 Assessment criteria
Selection to third-cycle education is based on the assessed ability to benefit from the third-cycle education. The assessment of the ability is primarily based on the study results at first and second cycle level. The following are considered:

1. knowledge and skills relevant to third-cycle education in the research area, such as a broad and thorough basis in fundamental physics. This can be documented through attached documents.
2. assessed ability for independent work and ability to formulate and address scientific problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. other experience relevant to third-cycle education, such as teaching experience and communication with society.
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 working in the field of X-ray imaging, or with other imaging methods, for example, by having completed a thesis on the subject, is an advantage.
• Previous work with PCCT and/or spectral µCT is advantageous.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant's experience and skills are deemed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral program. Good cooperation skills, commitment and independent working ability are considered positive personal qualities.
Terms and conditions
Only those who are admitted to third-cycle education may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral program is four years of full-time studies. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, the employment is extended to a corresponding degree, but for a maximum of 5 years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Provisions regarding employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.
Instructions for application
The application should be written in English. The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent and any other documents you wish to refer to (copies of grades, contact information on references, letters of recommendation, etc.).