About the position

We have a vacancy for a 100% position as PhD candidate on a large project entitled Improved diagnostics and treatment through a state-of-the-art multi-center nuclear medicine approach: Applications in cancer and dementia funded by the Mohn Foundation (http://www.mohnfoundation.no), NTNU and St. Olavs hospital.

The overall objective of this project is to facilitate multi-center nuclear medicine research by implementation and development of novel methodology and analyses in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of patients and to bring this field beyond state-of-the-art for the betterment of patients across Norway. Hybrid PET/MRI will have a central role in this project and the focus is on patient groups where this modality has shown promising potential. This includes PET/MRI-guided cancer treatment within radiation, radionuclide and proton therapy, and development of robust and clinically relevant image analysis and simulation tools. The position is affiliated with the research group in medical imaging and radiotherapy at the Department of Physics, NTNU in close collaboration with St. Olavs hospital and the particle physics research group at Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen.

The position is organized in the Department of Physics, NTNU. Our research spans a broad spectrum of natural sciences and technology. The Department is currently expanding and has activity in astroparticle physics, solid state physics, material physics, soft and complex matter physics, biopolymer physics, medical physics, statistical physics, optics, atmospheric physics and university didactics. The Department recruits the best physics students in Norway and also offers a large number of courses in physics for other study programmes at NTNU. Research staff at the Department makes a special effort to increase the awareness and understanding of the importance and impact of physics in our society. Further information about the Department can be found at https://www.ntnu.edu/physics 

Living in Trondheim:

Trondheim is situated by the Trondheim fjord in the middle of Norway. It is the third largest city in Norway but still small by European standards. It is known for having the atmosphere both of a small and a large city and is famous for its student friendly environment. In all seasons Trondheim is an ideal place for those interested in outdoor life, whether your interest is by the sea or in the fjords, in the forest or in the high mountains. Trondheim is also a nice place to raise children. So, why not grasp this opportunity to boost your personal and professional life?

Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor Kathrine Røe Redalen (kathrine.redalen@ntnu.no or +47 92437646). 

Main duties and responsibilities

The PhD candidate will work in the multidisciplinary field of medical imaging and radiotherapy of cancer, and will join a research group working with quantitative and functional imaging (MRI and PET), development of new methods for image processing, different applications of machine learning and how to use image information in further developments within image-guided adaptive radiotherapy.

The PhD candidate will in particular work with image processing of MRI and PET data from cancer patients (primarily head and neck cancer) and investigate how to use the image information to optimise photon-based and proton-based radiotherapy. The main tasks will therefore be advanced, quantitative analysis of MRI and PET data, Monte Carlo simulations and radiotherapy dose planning. In addition, competence and experience within machine learning algorithms, statistical prediction modelling and/or radiobiological modelling of tumor control probability / normal tissue complication probability will be positively weighted in the evaluation.

The PhD candidate will become an important member in an expanding research group in the multidisciplinary field of medical imaging and radiotherapy in cancer treatment, and the candidate’s personal and communicative skills will therefore be emphasized. The main workplace is at Department of Physics, NTNU. However, it is expected that the candidate will stay the first 6-12 months at the collaborating research group headed by researcher Kristian S. Ytre-Hauge at Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, to learn computational methods in proton therapy and integration of functional imaging in treatment planning and dose calculations, that will be an important part of the project. The project will also involve collaboration with different disciplines (oncology, radiology, nuclear medicine) at St. Olavs Hospital as well as other national and international partners.

The candidate will work in an active multidisciplinary research environment with high scientific standards. We are offering training, continuous supervision and opportunities for participation at national and international courses and congresses.

Qualification requirements

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in [subject area] or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD degree.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, postdoctor and research assistant

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

The required qualifications are:

• A university degree (Master of Science or equivalent) in physics, primarily with specialization in medical physics, radiation physics or biophysics. Candidates expecting to complete their MSc before December 31, 2019 may also apply.
• Excellent personal and communicative skills; the project will require ability to both work independently and to interact with other PhD candidates, students, experienced scientists, medical physicists and medical doctors
• Fluent English language, both written and spoken
• Strong motivation, scientific creativity and enthusiasm for research, high working and implementation capacity

The regulations for PhD programs at NTNU state that the applicant must have a master's degree or equivalent with at least 5 years of studies and an average grade of A or B within a scale of A-E for passing grades (A best). Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree: 
http://ec.europa.eu/education/tools/diploma-supplement_en.htm

The position requires spoken and written fluency in the English language. Such evidence might be represented by the results of standard tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). The candidate's language skills might also be assessed in a personal interview.

Personal characteristics

In addition, one or several of the following qualifications / skills are desired and will be weighted in the evaluation process:

• Relevant clinical experience with radiotherapy dose planning, proton/particle therapy, image-guided radiotherapy, PET and/or MRI
• Research experience with radiotherapy, proton therapy, quantitative PET/MRI, image-guided radiotherapy
• Fluent Scandinavian language (due to interaction with students and various personnel at the hospital)
• Strong skills in programming, medical image analysis, the DICOM standard, and/or image-guided radiotherapy simulations in Matlab, Python or similar software
• Strong skills in machine learning algorithms
• Strong skills in radiobiological modelling of tumor control probability / normal tissue complication probability

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 449 400 before tax per year. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The appointment has a duration of 4 years, including 1-year (25%) teaching duties. It is expected that the PhD candidate can start in the position within January 2019.

As a PhD candidate, you undertake to participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period. A condition of appointment is that you are in fact qualified for admission to the PhD programme within three months.

The appointment of the PhD fellows will be made according to Norwegian guidelines for universities and university colleges and to the general regulations regarding university employees. Applicants must agree to participate in organized doctoral study programs within the period of the appointment. A contract will be drawn up regarding the period of appointment and work-related duties.

The national labour force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent. Norway has generous rules for both maternity and paternity leave. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life (http://trondheim.com). Having a population of 200.000, Trondheim is a small city by international standards with low crime rates and little pollution. It also has easy access to a beautiful countryside with mountains and a dramatic coastline.

General information

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. Under the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to have their name entered on the list of applicants.

The application should contain:

• CV
• Certificates from Bachelor and Master degrees
• List of publications or other scientific work, if any
• Statement on research interests (maximum one page)
• 2-3 reference persons (name, title, affiliation, telephone number, email and short description of your relation)
• Documentation of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) if English or a Scandinavian language is not the applicant's mother tongue

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applicants invited for interview must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.

Please refer to the application number 95/19 when applying.

Application deadline: 10.10.2019

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences is a key player in national and international research and education programmes in natural sciences and technology. Our research focuses on global challenges in the areas of energy, climate, the environment, food, water, health and welfare. The Faculty consists of eight departments as well as the Faculty Administration.

Deadline 10th October 2019
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
omfang Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Trondheim