Ultrasound is the most versatile and most used medical imaging modality. It can image tissue at a resolution down to 50μm and can induce precision-controlled and noninvasive therapies. The interaction of ultrasound waves with inhomogeneous tissue offers great possibilities. Add to this ultrasound contrast microbubbles, and the possibilities become close to infinity. Exploiting the use of all technologies combined, however, is a true challenge. In this postdoc project, we offer you the chance to combine ultrasound physics with the latest novel developments in artificial intelligence (AI) to do what no one has done before: developing a noninvasive treatment for cancer with unparalleled precision and efficacy.

Project description

This position is part of a collaborative project between the Delft University of Technology, University of Twente, and the University Medical Center Utrecht. The strategy of this SOUND-CHECK (see also: https://www.nwo.nl/nieuws/zes-projecten-van-start-open-technologieprogramma ) project is to make use of the potential of microbubbles to deposit drugs on the microscale level to treat head and neck cancer, including metastases. We will build new hardware (novel transducer technology, your work), and combine it with new biofabrication methods (3D printed phantoms) and new software algorithms (deep learning predictors) by the other partners to detect the unique nonlinear signatures of the microbubbles, to quantify the location and amount of drugs delivered, and to control and monitor the therapy.

Therefore, while located at Delft University of Technology, you will be expected to closely collaborate with the PhD students 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 Twente will provide the signal processing environment for 2D and 3D imaging and therapy.

Your first task will be to develop two separate sparse array ultrasound transducers, one for high frequency high-resolution imaging (10 MHz), and the other for the low-frequency high-power therapeutic pulses (2 MHz). You will then design and build the combined-stack dual-frequency ultrasound probe. Ultimately, the project team will apply this new dual-frequency probe for 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.

• You have a PhD degree in applied physics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or biomedical engineering.
• You have at least some experience with ultrasound probe development or similar sensor techniques, 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 

Fixed-term contract: 28 months.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount 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. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.