PhD position – AI-powered prediction and control of ultrasound-mediated cancer therapy.

This position is part of a collaborative project between the technical universities of Twente and Delft, and the university medical center of Utrecht. The strategy of this SOUND-CHECK project is to make use of the potential of microbubbles to induce therapy on the microscale level to treat head and neck cancer, including metastases. We will use new hardware (novel transducer technology), new biofabrication methods (3D printed phantoms) and new software algorithms (deep learning predictors) to detect the unique nonlinear signatures of the microbubbles, to quantify the location and amount of drugs delivered, and to control the therapy.

Therefore, while located in the University of Twente, you will be expected to closely collaborate with your colleagues in the two other centers, which entails collaborative experiments, regular exchanges, and the writing of joint articles. Your colleagues in Utrecht will specialize in the fabrication of next-generation biological phantoms to allow quantitative measurements. Your colleagues in Delft will provide research-grade ultrasound transducers for 2D and 3D imaging and therapy.

Your first task will be to develop an ultrasound setup, including a realistic flow system, to apply the treatment to the phantoms developed in Utrecht, and to quantify the therapeutic effect. You will then use deep learning to combine the relevant and complementary information available to predict this therapeutic action. Ultimately, the project team will apply this new treatment in veterinary patients (that is, in domestic animals suffering from head and neck cancer).

In short, the team of the SOUND-CHECK project aims at developing an integrated ultrasound system with innovative hardware and artificial-intelligence (AI) based software to take the key technological steps that will make ultrasound- mediated drug delivery predictable and effective.

Your profile

You have a Master's degree in applied physics, applied mathematics, or biomedical engineering.

You have at least some experience with deep learning e.g., during your training and/or internships.

You are a team player and enjoy interdisciplinary work.

You have good communication skills, and you are driven by scientific curiosity.

You can speak and write English proficiently.

Our offer

The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.

The PhD salary is € 2.541,- in the first year and increases to € 3.247,- in the fourth year.

A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. (14 months)

The number of holiday hours for full-time employment is 232 hours per calendar year.

A personal development program within the Twente Graduate School.

Information and application

Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. Please apply via the provided button below.

For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Guillaume Lajoinie ( [email protected] )

Please apply via the button below.

About the department

You will be embedded in the Physics of Fluids group of the University of Twente, and part of the TechMed Center. Beyond your direct collaborators of the project, you will also interact with direct colleagues in the group on a scientific level, with the technical staff that will support you in designing efficient experimental setups, and with the applied mathematics group for additional support in computer science and deep learning. You will therefore have all the guidance you may require in your local environment, as well as the freedom to apply your own ideas and intuitions.

About the organization

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Want to know more? Lajoinie, G.P.R. (Guillaume)

Assistant Professor

Lajoinie, G.P.R. (Guillaume)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Guillaume for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534894213

Email:[email protected]

Your Colleagues

Steenbergen, W. (Wiendelt)

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Pizzoccaro - Zilamy, M.D. (Marie-Alix)

Personal page

Vargas Llona, L.D. (Laura)

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Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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