PhD position in MR-guided radiotherapy for esophageal cancer patients

Background
Radiotherapy is an important cornerstone in the treatment of esophageal cancer. With the introduction of online MR-guidance, radiotherapy has entered a new era where radiotherapy can be adapted daily and thus delivered with high-precision. Moreover, functional imaging can facilitate biology-driven dose painting, which will theoretically increase radiotherapy efficacy. This new technique provides the opportunity to re-design radiotherapy as integrated part of novel treatment regimens, in order to fulfil the unmet needs.

Project and role description
This vacancy is part of the IMPACT (IMproving outcome of PAtients with esophageal Cancer using high-precision adaptive MR-guided radioTherapy) project, which is funded by the KWF Dutch Cancer Society. Aim of the project is to develop and test new treatment strategies for esophageal cancer patients which could potentially change worldwide treatment paradigms.
You will develop and implement a new online adaptive MR-guided radiotherapy workflow, where high irradiation doses are deposited at the core of the tumor, while optimally sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. Here you will employ the latest motion management techniques. Furthermore, you will assess the effectiveness of the new treatment by correlating MRI and FDG-PET-based biomarkers with the residual disease in the resection specimen after surgery.

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.536,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

You will be working at the internationally renowned Center for Image Sciences at the UMC Utrecht, within the Radiotherapy department. In this project, you will collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team of radiation oncologists, (medical) physicists, image scientists and computer scientists. Several times a year there are social, educational and scientific events organized especially for you and fellow PhD students. Also, you will be encouraged to attend international conferences with your colleagues.