PhD student Radiotherapy

Job description

Brachytherapy is a radiotherapy modality employing a radioactive source that is guided through the tumor via applicators and implanted hollow catheters. This therapy is highly effective for gynecological tumors, but time and resource intensive. The long durations (9 hours including hours for treatment preparation) come at a high physical and psychological burden for the patients. With the AI-solutions that will be developed in this project we aim at significant reductions in treatment preparation time, while obtaining operator-independent high quality results. This will enhance patient experience and outcomes. It will lessen the resource burden in healthcare, facing personnel and capacity shortages. Concurrently, more complex treatments in lower-resources countries can be provided, where access to such care can be difficult.

In each of the daily brachytherapy procedures an MR- or CT-scan is acquired with the applicator and catheters in place. The tumor, the radio-sensitive organs at risk, the applied applicator and the needles are then manually segmented for development of the treatment plan that describes how long the radioactive source should reside in each position in the tumor. Aim of this project is to to develop deep learning solutions for automating all segmentations and the treatment plan development.  

The project team consists of clinicians treating gynecological tumors, medical physicists, radiation technologists, software engineer, a mathematician, the PhD canditate to be hired, a PostDoc to be hired and master student(s). The project is led by a medical physicist (PI) and a clinician as co-PI. Professors in medical physics and radiation oncology will be part of the team and serve as promotors. The hired PhD student will be based in the physics department. 

Work environment

Erasmus MC stands as a leading academic hospital renowned for its research and exceptional healthcare.

The Radiotherapy department within the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute ranks among the largest in Europe, providing treatment to over 5,500 cancer patients each year, which underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality care. Our robust research program, bolstered by both national and international collaborations, fosters innovation in cancer therapies.

The role of physics is vital to our operations, with a Medical Physics unit comprising 60 staff members (medical physicists, PhD students, postdocs, technical physicians, computer scientists, IT-support and engineers) working alongside radiation oncologists and technologists. This collaborative effort optimizes treatment plans and improves patient outcomes, advancing the frontiers of cancer treatment.

Qualifications and skills

You have a master's degree in (medical) physics, biomedical engineering or a related technical discipline, and you have affinity with development of deep learning applications. 

Proficiency in coding (in Python) is essential. As the project aims at solving real-life problems, you are practice-oriented.

Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team are important. Proficiency in academic writing and presentation skills in English is also crucial. 

Experience in Radiation Oncology would be advantageous.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.108,- and a maximum of € 3.939,- (OIO scale).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Linda Rossi, Assistant Professor and Medical Physicist on 0031107041335 or l.rossi@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.