PhD software development optimizing thermoradiotherapy in oncology
Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment during which the temperature in the tumour is increased to 40-43°C. This rise significantly enhances effectiveness of radiotherapy/chemotherapy without increasing side effects. Applications in cancer patients with e.g. cervical, bladder or recurrent breast tumours showed ~15-20% enhanced effectiveness by adding hyperthermia. The fundamental mechanisms through which hyperthermia improves outcome are not yet fully understood. Its clinical potential is therefore not yet optimally exploited: even higher effectiveness is possible.
Preclinical research will accelerate establishing optimal treatment protocols. Until recently, adequate equipment to mimic clinical hyperthermia treatments on a small preclinical scale did not exist. To this end, the ALBA micro8 device has been developed. This device consists of 8 miniature antennas in a ring to focus the heat delivery at the desired target location.
Effective use of this device in preclinical research requires reliable treatment planning software to determine device settings that deliver the desired temperature rise at the desired location. Because of the small scale in preclinical models, this goal is more challenging compared to human treatments. Therefore, dedicated treatment planning software is required and will be developed within this project.
Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.
You will develop computer models to accurately predict and optimize the heat delivery by the ALBA micro8 device. Advanced numerical models accounting for relevant thermal processes should ensure the desired temperature rise at the specified target location.
In addition, you will develop biological models to account for the synergistic effect between hyperthermia and radiation, to enable optimization of the combined hyperthermia plus radiotherapy treatment.
The research will be finalized with a PhD thesis.
- You have a MSc in physics or equivalent.
- You have practical experience with mathematical and numerical models in computer simulations and advanced programming in C/C++.
- You are analytical and have excellent communicative skills, and you work well in a multi-disciplinary research environment.
- You are able to effectively handle changes and setbacks, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in adjusting your work to new situations and challenges throughout the PhD trajectory.
- You have a good command of English.
- A flying start to your career in scientific research.
- Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
- Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
- You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
- A contract for 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
- Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
- Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
- Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
- For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
- Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.
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Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.
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You will work at the Department of Radiation Oncology of Amsterdam UMC, location AMC. You will collaborate with biologists, physicists and clinicians at both locations of Amsterdam UMC. During the project, there will be a continuous collaboration with our industrial partners involved, Med-Logix Srl and RaySearch Laboratories. The Amsterdam UMC and the PI’s for this project are widely acknowledged as leading experts in the field of clinical, pre-clinical and technical research on hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
This project is a close collaboration with our industrial partners Med-Logix Srl, an Italian company specialized in modern hyperthermia equipment, and RaySearch Laboratories, a Swedish company developing state-of-the art radiotherapy planning software. A team of experienced physicists, biologists and clinicians will be available for advise during the project.
During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.
Do you have further questions about this position? Please feel free to contact:
- Dr. Petra Kok via h.p.kok@amsterdamumc.nl
- Dr. Hans Crezee via h.crezee@amsterdamumc.nl
- Prof. dr. Maarten Bijlsma via m.f.bijlsma@amsterdamumc.nl
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Rhiannon Sandfort, recruitment advisor, via r.e.sandfort@amsterdamumc.nl.
A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).
Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.