PhD student in Systemic Radiation Therapy

Description of the workplace
The Laboratory for Systemic Radiation Therapy at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, within the Faculty of Medicine, conducts research in radiation biology, radionuclide therapy, and diagnostics. The research group is led by Dr. Joanna Strand and consists of an MR physicist, a laboratory assistant, and a hospital physicist. We collaborate closely with a research group at the University of California, Los Angeles (USA), and Lund University Hospital.

We value a work environment characterized by collaboration and open communication, where different opinions are respected. As a workplace, we strive for a positive environment based on mutual respect.

We are now seeking a full-time PhD student to join our research group. The proposed start date is October 1, 2024, or as agreed upon.

We offer
Lund University is a public authority, which means that employees get benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee:   Work at Lund university 

Work assignments
For certain cancers, radiopharmaceuticals such as Lu177-PSMA are used for both therapy and diagnostics, known as theragnostics. Using SPECT or PET cameras, the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceuticals can be measured to quantify the amount and distribution of radioactivity in the patient. This allows for estimating the radiation dose to organs, a crucial tool for evaluating radionuclide therapy and optimizing treatment plans.

Cross-sectional images show where the radiopharmaceutical accumulates and delivers high radiation doses. These images are reconstructed from SPECT and PET data using computers and algorithms. There is no established gold standard for algorithms and settings, which complicates comparisons between studies. Image quality depends on the radiologist’s experience and the scanning parameters. Reliable dose estimates require an understanding of how algorithms affect image quality and calibrations. Reconstruction parameters can be optimized by adjusting scanning time and positions.

The tasks will be carried out within the framework of doctoral education in the project “Optimization of imaging parameters for accurate dosimetry in radionuclide therapy." The planned PhD project consists of three subprojects. The first two will be conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, while the third, a spin-off based on the results of the first two, will be performed at Skåne University Hospital in Lund.

Qualifications

Necessary qualifications for the job:

• Certified hospital physicist
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written
• Strong analytical skills
• Good collaboration skills

Meritorious are:

• Knowledge of high-level programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or IDL
• Basic knowledge of Monte Carlo methods, nuclear medicine, internal dosimetry, and image reconstruction
• Experience with dosimetry and image visualization programs such as MIM and OsiriX
• Knowledge of gamma counters for pharmacokinetics
• Experience with phantom measurements and quality control of PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems
• Experience working with radiopharmaceuticals
• Clinical experience, preferably with an international focus
• Previous research in related projects

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

How to apply
Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!

The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund is one of six departments at the Faculty of Medicine. Clinical Sciences Lund cooperates closely with Skåne University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine in order to optimize the conditions for preclinical and clinical translational research, research strategies and development, as well as education on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.