Doctoral position in medical radiation physics

Description of the workplace
At the Department of Medical Radiation Physics, both education and research are conducted across the various fields of medical radiation physics
(www.msf.lu.se/)
. This project will be performed within the research group in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
(https://www.msf.lu.se/mr-physics-group)
, which has its primary focus on development of new techniques for quantitative MRI utilizing different contrast mechanisms.
Being a doctoral student
As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are expected to complete a PhD programme, specified in your individual study plan.
During your studies, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis defence and a doctoral degree.
More about being a doctoral student at the Faculty of Science at naturvetenskap.se
Doctoral studies | Faculty of Science
Subject and project description
Diffusion MRI (dMRI) measures microscopic properties in the tissue by studying random motion of water molecules. In dense tissue, diffusion is slow, while it appears to be faster in looser tissue. dMRI can therefore detect cancers that cause the tissue to be abnormally dense. However, current dMRI methods are sensitive but not very specific. This shortcoming can be remedied by controlling how the diffusion is encoded by the MRI scanner, thereby allowing us to learn more about the tissue microstructure in the living human body. For example, we aim to distinguish properties like cell density, cell shape, cell size, blood volume, and cell membrane permeability. These parameters are then evaluated as tentative imaging biomarkers for improved diagnostics or monitoring of disease. The present project will focus on developing methods for enhancing and analysing the acquired images.
During your doctoral studies, you will follow the general syllabus for postgraduate education in the subject of Medical Radiation Physics:
For current doctoral students | Faculty of Science
Your tasks
You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral education, which includes participation in research projects and writing a doctoral thesis, as well as completing third cycle courses and seminars. In consultation with you, an individual study plan for your programme will be drawn up.
As a doctoral student, you will operate within the MR physics group on the development of methods for accurate and precise assessment of microstructural changes in the brain in various neurological conditions. Tasks and assignments can include image reconstruction, deep learning and programming of the actual MRI scanner. The projects require a strong mathematical foundation and well-developed programming skills. Experimental tasks and the analysis of patient data may also be included. The research projects will be reported in the form of articles submitted for publication in scientific journals, and these will constitute part of the doctoral thesis.
In addition to studies, a maximum of 20 % of working time may be spent on teaching (typically by leading exercises or laboratory sessions) and other departmental work.
Qualifications
To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.
Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:
has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in medical radiation physics if the applicant has:
Been awarded a degree in medical physics, or an equivalent foreign qualification, or
Completed another programme of higher education providing basic eligibility for doctoral studies (240 credits), within which courses amounting to at least 60 higher education credits are directly relevant to the doctoral education, and including the completion of an independent project (master’s degree project) of at least 30 credits.
Selection criteria
The selection of eligible applicants will be made by taking into account the ability to benefit from the training, based on the following criteria:
Results achieved in first- and second-cycle courses or the equivalent,
the breadth, depth and relevance first- and second-cycle courses or the equivalent. Of particular relevance are courses in mathematics, mathematical statistics, physics, signal processing, and computational methods,
the quality of the second-cycle degree project and other autonomous work,
proficiency in spoken and written English,
documented knowledge of medical imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion MRI,
documented knowledge of mathematical modelling and numerical optimisation,
documented programming knowledge and programming skills and documented experience with languages such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent,
documented knowledge of methods for image processing, image registration, and image correction,
documented knowledge of methods for deep learning,
experience from project work in scientific or academic environments involving MRI and computational methods,
personal qualities deemed to support the ability to carry out the educational components and tasks included in the doctoral education, such as independence, analytical ability, creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate.
We offer
Lund University is a public authority which offers employees particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
More about working at Lund University on lu.se. h
ttps://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university
About the employment
The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting 2027-01-01, or as soon as possible, according to agreement. Third cycle studies at the Faculty of Science consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.
More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staff-pages.
https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students
Other
Contact person: Markus Nilsson (markus.nilsson@med.lu.se)
Top-ranked candidates may be called for interviews.
How to apply
Write your application in Swedish or English and include the following attachments:
CV and personal letter with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
Copies of issued study certificates and/or diplomas. These should prove that you meet the general and specific entry requirements for the doctoral education subject area and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral education project.
Copy of the master’s-level (second-cycle) thesis
Other information that you wish to provide or refer to (copies of grades, contact details for professional references, letters of recommendation, etc.).
We welcome your application.