At our department, a hybrid MRI system with a linear accelerator (MR-linac) is used to visualize the changing patient anatomy and improve the accuracy of the radiation treatment. The MR-linac also provides the opportunity to acquire daily quantitative MRI (qMRI). This allows to personalize treatment even further by visualizing biological response of the tumor and adapting the radiotherapy response accordingly.

qMRI is highly susceptible to motion and is therefore challenging for lung and liver tumors, which move due to respiration. In your project, you will determine the best strategy to deal with respiratory motion and develop and implement qMRI techniques for moving organs. In particular, your task is to combine the spatial information of several qMRI techniques and relate this to biological characteristics that determine the treatment response (such as tumor hypoxia).

Your research is part of a larger project on personalized response-adapted radiation therapy and will be embedded in both the Van der Heide group and the Sonke group at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Netherlands Cancer Institute. The research in our groups centers around the use of MRI for radiotherapy and the development of adaptive radiotherapy strategies. Within our department, you will work together with other researchers, radiation oncologists and radiation technicians. In addition, you will actively participate with other academic partners and industry via the Imaging Biomarker Working Group of the MR-Linac Consortium.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with a strong affinity for MRI imaging and interest in radiotherapy. The candidate should have a master’s degree in physics, biomedical engineering, technical medicine or a related field. A background in MRI physics as part of the master’s program is recommended. Good communication skills and the ability to work together with others in an international team are required for this project. Experience with programming, preferably in Python, is appreciated. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Your temporary employment will be full-time (36 hours per week) for a period of 4 years. The gross salary per month will range from € 3.523 to a maximum of € 4.277 (standard Dutch PhD student scale). In addition, you will receive 8,33% holiday pay and a fixed end-of-year bonus (8,33%). The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labor Agreement for Hospitals).

For more information in regards to the secondary conditions please visit our website: https://www.nki.nl/careers-study/how-to-apply/.

Interested?
Would you like to know more about this vacancy or our organization? Please contact: Dr. ir. Petra van Houdt (p.v.houdt@nki.nl), dr. Zeno Gouw (z.gouw@nki.nl) or prof. dr. ir. Jan-Jakob Sonke (j.sonke@nki.nl).
https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/uulke-van-der-heide/
https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/jan-jakob-sonke/

Suggested reading
van Houdt PJ, Saeed H, Thorwarth D, et al. Integration of quantitative imaging biomarkers in clinical trials for MR-guided radiotherapy: Conceptual guidance for multicentre studies from the MR-Linac Consortium Imaging Biomarker Working Group. Eur J Cancer. 2021;153:64-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.04.041. 

How to apply?
Applications should include your resume, a motivation letter, and the contact information of at least 2 references, and can be submitted via the application button below.

Please send your application by July 15, 2024.

The NKI values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that stimulates the best in each individual. Applications of all individuals are welcomed regardless of age, ancestry, religion, disability, distance from the labor market, sexual orientation or gender identity.