We are looking for a talented researcher who will make a significant contribution to the efficiency of cancer treatment. He/she will be active at the interface between photonics and acoustics to develop state-of-the art photo-acoustic sensors for proton therapy, The tasks comprise theoretical analysis, system design, signal processing, and experimental demonstration. He/she will assist in the supervision of two PhD students. In the ProtonBubbles project (NWO/NWA project) we will develop a system for real-time localization and dosimetry during proton beam treatment. We will use microbubbles to convert the proton energy into an acoustic ultrasound signal and develop a very sensitive tuned opto-acoustical sensor to detect this signal. The final system can instantly show the exact position and dose of the proton-beam in a 3D clinical ultrasound image of the treated organ.

Conventional x-ray therapy is a basic pillar in cancer treatment, but has as a drawback collateral damage of healthy surrounding tissues. This is unavoidable due to the wide x-ray deposition range. A novel treatment uses protons, which are deposited in a well-defined position. Unfortunately, patient movement and erroneous assumptions on tissue properties lead to differences between the treatment and planned locations. This may lead to partial tumour treatment and healthy tissue irradiation. Our solution detects the proton deposition location in real-time. The approach uses the interaction of protons and ultrasonic contrast agents combined with ultra-sensitive opto-acoustic sensors. The project is a close cooperation between TNO and TU Delft in the fields of optics and acoustics and the Holland Proton Therapy Center, providing a unique basis for this ground-breaking work.

Our candidate is a highly capable researcher with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics or similar. Expertise in signal processing, ultrasound and/or optics is essential. Expertise in bubble physics, particle radiation, medical device design and system engineering is desirable. The candidate should enjoy multidisciplinary projects and be skilled in setting up and performing experiments. Our candidate is highly motivated, broadly interested and creative. Our candidate has an excellent command of the English language, and excellent communication and team working skills. We expect the candidate to keep good contact with TNO and other collaborating companies. The research will be performed at the AWI group (TU Delft) and at the optics department of TNO.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

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.

Technische Universiteit Delft

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.

Faculty Applied Sciences

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 position is in the Department of Imaging Physics of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This department performs cutting-edge research spanning the range from understanding the basic principles underlying imaging technology to automated image analysis.