Doctoral position in medical radiation physics

Description of the department
At the Department of Medical Radiation Physics we conduct both education and research (www.msf.lu.se). Our research group focuses on magnetic resonance imaging (www.msf.lu.se/en/research/mr-physics-group) and has a particular interest in the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. In addition to this specialization the group also runs projects in fundamental MR physics, technical development, software development, development of analysis tools, data management, image reconstruction, and clinical/preclinical studies on models and humans. We offer a stimulating and international environment where education and groundbreaking research are at the forefront.

We are located at the hospital in Lund and we have access to laboratories with experimental equipment as well as the clinical setting. The staff at the Department of Medical Radiation Physics are part of several research groups including MR physics, diffusion MRI, and the development/monitoring of radiation therapy. In total these groups include around 40 people with expertise in physics, engineering, medicine, radiology, and pathology.

Project description
In this project we will explore new MRI methods using ultra-high magnetic field gradients. Lund University and Skåne University Hospital will have the first MRI system in the Nordic region with ultra-high gradient performance, and we aim to develop theory and methods for such gradients, including investigation of their advantages and disadvantages, as well as establish new methods for conducting accurate measurements. The project will therefore include MR physics, image analysis, software development, and practical measurements in both phantoms and humans. The ultimate goal is to establish new biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of cancer.

Duties and areas of responsibility
This call concerns a study position within third-cycle (doctoral) education. The education will be carried out within the framework of a doctoral employment. The main task of a doctoral student is to pursue their doctoral studies, and therefore you will be both admitted as a doctoral student and employed by Lund University. You will follow the general syllabus for third-cycle education.

As a doctoral student, you will engage in theoretical development of MR physics at various MRI systems, with particular focus on what happens when using ultra-high gradient strength. For example, you will develop methods to avoid unwanted effects from so-called concomitant gradient fields. You will also develop software to facilitate experimental design. This includes numerical optimization of the instructions that control the MRI system. The project will include international collaborations and scientific presentations, and may therefore involve travel within or outside Sweden.

The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of the working time.

Admission requirements:

• A completed degree at the advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level, or having acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
• A good ability to benefit from third-cycle (doctoral) education.
• Specific eligibility for admission to third-cycle education in Medical Radiation Physics, i.e.:
  • o A completed degree in medical physics (sjukhusfysikerexamen), or an equivalent foreign degree, or
  • o Completion of another higher education program that provides basic eligibility (240 higher education credits), with at least 60 credits from courses directly relevant to the doctoral education, and a completed degree project of at least 30 credits.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, at a level that meets the requirements for authoring scientific articles.

Requirements for the position:

• Education in medical physics, biomedical engineering, or a related subject
• Documented knowledge in MRI/MR physics, such as advanced-level courses or a degree project

Additional qualifications that are considered meritorious:

• Practical experience with MRI systems in a clinical setting
• Practical experience with MRI systems using high gradients and/or low fields
• Good knowledge of at least one programming language
• Experience with numerical simulations of MR physical processes
• Experience with numerical methods for experimental optimization
• Documented experience with diffusion-weighted MRI

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities important for carrying out the educational components and duties included in the doctoral position, such as independence, perseverance, analytical ability, creativity, initiative, and ability to collaborate.

Great emphasis will also be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is deemed to have the ability required to successfully complete the doctoral education.

About the position
The position is a full-time, fixed-term employment corresponding to four years of full-time studies. If departmental duties are included (maximum 20%), the employment period will be extended accordingly. The initial employment decision will be for one year in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, after which the employment can be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. As a general rule, employment at Lund University is carried out in Sweden, and you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on site in Lund.

The expected start date for the position is mid-September 2025 (or as agreed), but no later than March 1, 2026.

Regulations regarding employment as a doctoral student can be found in ‘Högskoleförordningen’ (1993:100), Chapter 5, 1–7 §§. Regulations regarding admission to doctoral studies can be found in Chapter 6, 3 § in ‘Högskoleförordningen’ (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website.

Other information
For doctoral students, there is a specific salary scale associated with each faculty, and the salary is set according to the current scale.

Interviews will be conducted around August 18, 2025. If you have any questions, you can contact Filip Szczepankiewicz (project leader) or Crister Ceberg (head of division).

How to apply
The position is applied for through the university's recruitment system. The application must include:

• A short personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how you meet the requirements and qualifications.
• Your CV along with any diplomas/certificates you wish to refer to.
• Your master's thesis.
• Contact information for at least two referees.

Please note that all these documents must be in Swedish or English.