PhD in Medical Radiation Physics

Description of the workplace

Medical Radiation Physics is an interdisciplinary subject, which is directed towards development and discovery of new knowledge for applications of radiation and radioactivity. Important fields of application are radiotherapy to treat cancer, radiation diagnostics using X-rays, computed tomography, nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We mainly work on developing new methods for diagnostic and new ways of radiation treatment. Our discipline includes research on radiation protection and environmental radiology, in which the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation and radioactive substances is central. We also study measurement strategies for effects from radiation accidents or radioactive malevolent acts. The research is performed in collaboration with Skåne University Hospital and other partners.

The research group is led by Professor Lars E Olsson and consists of both research and technical staff. Professor Christopher Rääf (supervisor) has many years of experience in research within radioecology / environmental radiology and radiation protection. Christopher is also the coordinator for the research groups emergency laboratory which is part of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority’s expert support organization. The research group is located in Malmö. Here you can read more about our research.

Description of the project

A radiological or nuclear terrorist attack in society would lead to many different consequences, where the somatic health risk from radiation exposure may be modest in comparison with psychosocial effects. Nevertheless, this risk will be experienced as the most significant.

This project aims to investigate various fictional, but realistic, scenarios where radioactive substances are released into public spaces with many people gathering. Both internal and external radiation exposure that occurs in this situations will be simulated and calculated. This calculation basis will be used to assess the usability of different types of radiation detectors available to the public, including public retrospective dosimetry. The results of these studies will lead to improved Swedish preparedness for such terrorist attacks with 1) improved methods, 2) better decision-makin data and 3) informative communication with the public, which can reduce negative effects in society and reduce elements of disinformation.

Specifically, the project will investigate:

• Physical consequence assessments (somatic injuries to people) for emergency personnel and the public in a number of representative RN attack scenarios in Swedish public environments.
• Calculation of detector response for a number of different radiation-sensitive materials and commercial handheld detectors
• Validating measurements in representative geometries
• Testing and validation of proposed methods for emergency services personnel to rapidly determine radiation risks in the considered RN attack scenarios.

The Department of Translational Medicine (ITM) is now announcing a vacancy for a position at the doctoral program and employment as a doctoral student within Medical Radiation Physics.

Work duties and responsibilities

The main tasks of a doctoral student are to devote themselves to their doctoral education and therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. 

The position includes other tasks with a scope of 20% which consist of participation in mandatory laboratory maintenance (including internal/external field exercises) and quality control of the research group's radiometry system that is part of the national radiation protection preparedness. Other tasks may also occur.

Qualifications 

Basic eligibility for doctoral education is someone who has:

• Completed a degree at advanced level completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

The requirements for special eligibility are met by someone who has:

• At least 60 credits in the subject area of ​​medical science applicants must have knowledge equivalent to at least 3 years of upper secondary education in English.

Special requirements for the employment are:[AO2] 

• Master's degree in either medical radiation physics, nuclear physics, engineering physics or a similar field.
• Good oral and written communication in English and Swedish
• Good communication, presentation and writing skills 
• Good collaboration skills, ability to work independently, and be solution-focused 

Meritorious for the position are:

• Hospital Physics Degree
• Experience in radiation dosimetry and detection
• Previous involvement in radiation preparedness
• European drivers license

Great importance will be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral program.

We offer

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension.

As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and an employee, which gives you several benefits. Read more about being admitted and employed at on the university's website. Read more about being employed with us on the university's website.

About the employment

The position is a fixed-term position for a total of four years, 100% with a start date of 2025-09-01 or as agreed. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, so you are expected to be able to perform your work on site in Malmö.

Provisions regarding employment as a doctoral student are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Provisions regarding admission to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 6, Section 3, Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website.

Additional information

For doctoral students, there is a specific salary scale linked to each faculty and salary is set according to the current salary scale.

How to apply

The position is sought via the university’s recruitment system. Applications must/should include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must/should also contain a diploma, CV or equivalent and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).