PhD in Cancer MRI

The Intervention Centre is a R&D department and part of the Clinic for Diagnostics and Intervention at Oslo University Hospital (OUH), Rikshospitalet. In addition to human procedures, the center has approval for animal trials in the operation theatres and hybrid suites. In three suites advanced imaging equipment is integrated in the operation room environment. The Intervention Centre serves as a common tool box for all clinical departments at OUH and affiliated hospitals, and has formalized research collaborations with the University of Oslo (UiO) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. The multi-disciplinary staff includes doctors, nurses, radiographers, medical physicists and technologists. The Intervention Centre is coordinating, and part of, multiple national and international research studies.
The Section for Diagnostic Physics at the Intervention Centre includes 26 MR-, PET and CT-physicists. The primary tasks of the section include R&D in the fields of MR, PET and CT imaging, as well as serving OUH and most hospitals in the South Eastern Health Region in Norway.

Position

• The PhD research project will be part of an ongoing research study titled "LOOPS - Mapping the Vessel Architecture of Cancer" aiming to further develop and evaluate our new paradigm in tumor imaging coined as Vessel Architectural Imaging (VAI) for improved detection and treatment of cancer - with special focus on brain tumors. In the brain, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice and the VAI technique is a continuation of current MRI methods assessing information on brain perfusion and vessel size among others. The study involves basic MRI physics with a strong translational component. In collaboration with international experts at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University, Boston, USA, this includes monitoring of brain tumor response to therapy and anti-angiogenic drugs in particular. The applicant will also be in charge of implementing and validating the VAI technique in both Oslo and at NTNU. Experiences with clinical MRI and/or programing (Matlab) are preferred.
• The applicant will be part of the Advanced Neuroimaging Group (ANG), in the Section of Diagnostic Physics, at the Intervention Centre. The ANG is a multi-disciplinary effort focusing on functional MRI of several neuropathological conditions and is collaborating closely with many national and international research groups in Europe and the US. There is currently a particular focus on diagnosis, prognosis- and treatment response assessment in patients with brain tumors. The group also has a close link to industry through collaboration and co-development with software companies.
• Appointment will be for 3 years with the objective of taking organized academic training and the completion of the doctoral degree within this period. Admission to a doctoral degree program is required for employment as a PhD candidate. For regulations concerning the PhD-degree at UiO, please visit: http://www.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phd

• Candidates with a master's degree or equivalent education within physics, mathematics, medicine or other life sciences, OR
• Candidates with a medical doctors (MD) degree
• Candidates finishing their degree in the first half of 2013 will also be considered

Personal qualities

• High working capacity
• Strong motivation
• Excellent collaboration skills as well as ability to work independently
• Interest in solving mathematical and biological problems
• Positive attitude and goal oriented
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

We offer

• Access to state-of-the-art MRI equipment and data
• A position in a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment where you are encouraged to develop your skills and share your knowledge with your colleagues
• A position in an international research network with the opportunities to travel and meet other colleagues and researchers abroad
• Young and friendly colleagues in a research area with a bright future
• Competitive benefits and focus on work-life balance

Your application should include:

• A one-page statement of motivation and research interests

• A CV summarizing education and positions, including a list of publications and academic work

• Copies of educational certificates and letters of recommendation
  
• Names and contact details of at least one referee (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

Contract Period:  1.4.2013 - 30.03.2016
Application Deadline is February 28, 2013

For further information, please contact senior scientist Kyrre Eeg Emblem, email:  kemblem@ous-hf.no
Telephone: +47 23 07 01 46