The Netherlands: PhD Studentship and Postdoctoral Position for Photoacoustic Breast Imaging, the University of Twente

At the University of Twente, The Netherlands, we are developing photoacoustic imaging to address the limitations of the current technologies for breast cancer imaging. At this moment in our advanced research program within the Biophysical Engineering Group (BPE) with strong collaborations with the clinic, we are poised to make a major impact on the breast imaging paradigm.

We have two vacancies in the team that will develop a new instrument which enables full breast imaging on patients. The goal of this instrument is to detect and/or diagnose breast cancer with high resolution, sensitivity and reliability. This technology will be demonstrated in a study of up to 60 abnormalities (invasive ductal carcinomas and a sub-set of benign tumours) in patients.

The vacancies are for 1 PhD student and 1 Post-doctoral researcher. The successful candidates in collaboration with a technician and Masters students, will design and develop the Photoacoustic Mammoscope (PAM-II) and participate in its validation on patient trials. This will involve researching ultrasound detector elements from collaborators and selecting the most suitable material and architecture for a detector array. Further, design and development of a patient-instrument interface will be undertaken including an appropriate light delivery system. New image reconstruction algorithms that incorporate corrections for acoustic heterogeneities and that allow quantitation of optical absorption coefficient will be implemented. Comprehensive testing of hardware and image reconstruction algorithms will be done on phantoms. The instrument will at a certain point be installed in the Breast Care facility of a hospital where the clinical trials will take place.

PhD. Student requirements
The candidate has an excellent Master’s degree in Physics or Engineering from a reputed university. Project experience in biomedical optics or ultrasound is appreciated. Fluency in English is essential.

The assignment is for 4 years, with a go/no-go assessment at the end of the 1st year. The candidate will disseminate results through publications in journals and presentations at international conferences. The employment period should be completed with a PhD thesis.

Post-doctoral researcher requirements
The candidate holds a PhD from a reputed university, in subjects related to optics or ultrasound. The candidate should have proven excellent experimental skills and be capable of working in a consortium and liaising with collaborators. Skills for guiding students are required.

The candidate will be appointed for 2 years. During this period results will be published in journals and presented at international conferences.

Our offer
We offer a top level research and academic environment with excellent opportunities for personal development. We are part of the research institute for Biomedical Technology (BMTI) which comprises several groups housed in one building offering excellent shared facilities. Participation in the activities of the BMTI such as symposia and colloquia will expose one to cutting edge research in related fields and offers opportunities for collaboration with other groups.

PhD Studentship and Postdoctoral Position for Photoacoustic Breast Imaging, the University of Twente, The Netherlands

The PhD student will earn a gross salary of €2,000/- pm in the 1st year to €2,558/- pm in the 4th year. The Post-doc will earn a maximum of €3,678/- pm depending on experience.

Applicants will submit a detailed CV, highlighting their suitability for the project in a motivating letter. At least 3 references will be provided. Applications may be addressed to:

Dr. S. Manohar: S.Manohar[ at ]utwente.nl

Prof. T. G. van Leeuwen: T.G.vanleeuwen[ at ]utwente.nl

Closing date for applications 1 December 2008