We will soon start to extend the imaging capabilities of a new advanced research platform for preclinical studies with small animal models for oncology. The platform currently has x-ray based CT imaging onboard, in addition to precision irradiation with small beams of x-rays. We also developed our own treatment planning system for irradiation studies.

We plan to extend the x-ray imaging capabilities with phase contrast imaging and spectral imaging, but the emphasis of the project at Maastro will be on the former, while other groups will work on other parts of the project, such as spectral x-ray imaging and AI methods for imaging. This projects builds on several preceding succesful projects, and will pave the way to clinical translation of new technology.

The project involves modern x-ray sensing technology for imaging such as TimePix3 sensors. Your role will be to design, acquire, install and extensively test the selected system. This will also involve Monte Carlo simulations, image processing methods and AI methods. The project is international, with as industry partners SmART Scientific Solutions (Maastricht, leader of the project), Xstrahl gmbh (Germany), and two teams at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU, Munich). Willingness to work in such a collaboration is important.

The ACACIA project is partially funded by the EU EUROSTARS program, and is a collaboration between two biomedical companies, two LMU academic partners and Maastro. These are located in Germany and the Netherlands.

We are looking for a dynamic co-worker and team player, with a (recent) doctoral graduate and a strong MSc degree in (bio)physics or (bio)physics engineering with an interest in biomedical research with x-ray imaging. Excellent candidates without a PhD but with equivalent experience may also be considered.

Ideally, you have:

• knowledge of x-ray imaging hardware and software and imaging physics;
• advanced computer programming skills (e.g. on GPU);
• knowledge of x-ray phase contrast imaging is a strong plus, but can also be learned during the project;
• knowledge of artificial intelligence for imaging is a plus.

The candidate should be able to start the project not much later than March 1st 2025.

You are enthusiastic about relocating to the beautiful and culturally very active region around Maastricht (which is also close to Germany and Belgium). Knowledge of the Dutch language is not a requirement. However, an English language proficiency is required (minimum IELTS 7.0).

Fixed-term contract: 1 jaar.

• a challenging job in a dynamic organization that values patients interests and innovation, collaboration with a highly motivated team;
• the Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals (in Dutch: CAO Ziekenhuizen) applies;
• a fulltime (36 hour) contract for an initial period of one year, which in case of a successful evaluation can be extended with 1,5 additional years (in case of a post-doc) and 3 years (in case of a PhD-student);
• salary:
  • in case of a post-doc researcher: a salary according to salary scale FWG 60 (minimum gross salary of € 3,923, maximum of € 5,746, dependent of relevant work experience);
  • in case of a PhD-student: a salary according to salary scale FWG 50 (minimum gross salary of € 3,199, maximum of € 4,540,-, dependent of relevant work experience);
• 8.33% holiday allowance and 8.33% end-of-year bonus;
• Pension build-up;
• we offer a wide range of options for personal development including hard and soft skill courses;
• we invest in the employability and vitality of our employees and as part of this offer discounts on for example sport subscriptions;
• applicants from abroad may qualify for the advantageous 30% tax rule and a reimbursement of relocation expenses.
• in case a residence/work permit is required, our HR department will assist with the application.