Tomography with radiolabeled molecules (PET and SPECT) 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 PhD 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-emitting 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-energy 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.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. Challenge. Change. Impact!

Afdeling

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science