Effective treatment of tumors metastasizing to the peritoneal cavity is a major challenge. Surgery is applied to remove macroscopic lesions, this is followed by Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) to remove remaining microscopic cancer. During HIPEC a chemotherapy solution heated to 40-43°C is circulated through the peritoneum for 30 to 90 minutes. The elevated temperatures during HIPEC sensitize chemotherapy and thus improve the likelihood of tumour control.

The four year multidisciplinary research project "Improving therapeutic effectiveness and reducing toxicity of HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastases (PMCRC) by applying "step-up" heating" is supported by a grant of the Dutch Cancer Society KWF and aims to optimize the clinical effectiveness of the HIPEC procedure by utilizing novel dynamic HIPEC protocols with sequential variation in dose, temperature level and duration of exposure to chemotherapy. In the project this HIPEC treatment is model in a digital model simulating the flow, heat and drug transport in the peritoneal cavity. Goal is to establish HIPEC strategies resulting in more effective tumor eradication without unacceptable local and systemic side effects.

We are looking for a PhD student with a physics background for designing and applying this digital model for the different sequential low/high dose, low/high temperature 90 minute "step-up" heating protocols of mitomycin-C and platinum-based HIPEC applied in the different tumor models and in human clinical treatments. Examples of this form of modelling are given in https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2020.1862364 and https://doi.org/10.1080/02656736.2020.1852324

A team of physicists, biologists and clinicians will advise on the work performed by the student.

About your role
The PhD student has a physics background and will analyze biological and clinical HIPEC data in sophisticated mathematical models developed for integrating data on flow, temperature, chemotherapy concentration, temperature dependence of the effect of chemotherapy, temperature dependence of the penetration of chemotherapy into tissue for the different sequential low/high dose, low/high temperature 90 minute "step-up" heating protocols of mitomycin-C and platinum-based HIPEC applied in the different tumor models and in human clinical treatments.

Work will involve development, adaptation and application of advanced computer models simulating various aspects of the HIPEC procedure, which is novel in the field.

• We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in (medical) physics or a related background.
• The candidate preferably has practical experience with mathematical and numerical models in computer simulations and advanced programming in C/C++.
• The candidate should have good command of English.
• Excellent analytical and communicative skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary research group are essential.
• The research project should result in a PhD thesis.

We offer ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every respect.

• A jump start to your career in research work.
• All te space for you to contribute shaping the care of tomorrow.
• Working on large-scale and research project, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• We offer a contract for a year (12 months) with the intention to be extended to 4 years.
• In addition to a good basic salary, we offer 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance.
• Pension is accrued at Be Frank.
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, Amsterdam UMC also has a sufficient number of parking spaces for employees.
• An active personnel association and the Young Amsterdam UMC association, both of which organise fun (sports) activities and events.

For an overview of all our other terms of employment, Read all working agreements at Amsterdam UMC

Amsterdam UMC

The candidate will work at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Amsterdam University Medical centers, location AMC. The candidate will collaborate with biologists, physicists and clinicians working on HIPEC research at both locations of Amsterdam UMC.

The Amsterdam UMC and the PI's for this project are widely acknowledged as leading experts in the field of clinical, pre-clinical and technical research on hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, as well as in the field of HIPEC. Colorectal cancer research is thriving at Amsterdam UMC and preclinical research results are readily translated into clinical practice.