Two PhD students for developing revolutionary tomography for imaging molecules in vivo

The group Biomedical Imaging (https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences/about-faculty/departments/radiation-science-technology/biomedical-imaging) develops radionuclide tomography (PET and SPECT) which is key for discovering mechanisms of disease, new pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tracers. In recent years the application of radiotracers that combine a predictive biomarker with a therapeutic agent -theranostic tracers– and the demand for multi-tracer imaging are witnessing an impressive growth. The PhDs will be part of a project that aims at developing a novel PET-SPECT scanner that 

• enables quantitative tomography for virtually any available gamma, positron or co-emiting tracer molecule (30 keV - 1 MeV energy range),
• allows quantitative imaging of any tracer combination including multiple PET isotopes, and
• has an order of magnitude higher effective sensitivity for high-emergy gamma emitters than current scanners.

To enable such universal molecular tomography platform the PhD students will explore (1) highly efficient gamma detectors (2) innovative collimator designs (3) image reconstruction with universal energy-dependent models for high-energy and co-emitting gamma and positron emitters. 

The applicants should have a master’s degree in physics, mathematics or engineering. An interest in conducting experiments and developing image reconstruction or simulation software is preferred. The candidates will work in a highly multi-disciplinary team. Good communication skills and an excellent command of English, both written and spoken, are important.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The department of Radiation Science and Technology (www.rst.tudelft.nl) focusses on research and education in materials, energy and health with radiation as the common denominator. Fields of interest are medical radioisotopes, materials for energy storage, technologies for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, advanced instrument development and sustainable nuclear energy.