PhD student position in microwave hyperthermia cancer treatment

We are looking for a newly graduated Master Student with interest in biomedical applications of microwaves that will work within the Biomedical Electromagnetic research group at the department of Electrical Engineering. The focus of this group is to develop new and more effective medical methods and systems for diagnostics and treatment. Stroke diagnostics, breast cancer detection, microwave hyperthermia treatment are a few examples. The main activities in the development towards these applications involve, signal processing methods, antenna systems design and design of measurement hardware. Construction of complete prototype systems for clinical tests is a key goal in all projects.  

Project description
In this project you will work in a team on developing a multi-channel hyperthermia system for focused heat delivery into deep seated tumors. Hyperthermia, i.e heating of tumour tissue in the range of 40–44°C, is applied in combination with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy to improve clinical outcome. In recent years, the ability of hyperthermia to dramatically enhance tumour control rates and even increase patient survival rates for most common cancer types has been demonstrated. At Chalmers, in close collaborations with medical expertise at the Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, we are developing microwave hyperthermia systems to improve the treatment outcome for patients with advanced cancer in head and neck (H&N) and for children with brain tumours. Deep penetration in the body is achieved by using constructive wave interference from a large number of antennas organized in multiple rings around the patient. The heat effect is developed in the tumor by the transmission of microwaves which are adjusted in time, frequency and amplitude to constructively interfer in the desired focus spot.

Using the numerical model of our HT system, we are the first group worldwide that has been able to achieve an adequate brain tumor temperature with desirable precision and without inducing unacceptable hot spots. In the next, inherent step, we aim to develop the prototype of the heating device to verify the achieved numerical results on anthropomorphic phantoms and bring the technology into clinical practice.

Information about the division and the project
In this project you will participate in research to develop the present UWB hyperthermia system into a clinical prototype that will be used in clinical evaluation of cancer treatment of brain tumors. In particular you will:

• develop electromagnetic models with commercial software tools (e.g. CST, Comsol) and use them as a tool to improve the antenna system as well as its mechanical design,
• develop the water bolus and its cooling system,
• develop a feedback control of the amplifier system in direct connection to the antenna system,
• performing measurements and calibration of the antenna systems.

The work will be carried out within the Biomedical Electromagnetic research group at the department of Electrical Engineering. The group has its own state-of-the-art Bioelectromagnetic lab at Chalmers and is one of several partners in the newly built SahlBEC laboratory located at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Such clinical environment enables development and faster transition of new medtech technologies into clinical practice.

At the Department of Electrical Engineering, we conduct internationally renowned research in biomedical engineering, antenna systems, signal processing, image analysis, automatic control, automation, mechatronics, and communication systems. We offer a dynamic and international research environment with about 200 employees from more than 20 countries, and with extensive national and international research collaborations with academia, industry and society. The department provides more than 70 courses, of which most are included in the Master’s Programs ”Biomedical Engineering”, ”Systems, Control and Mechatronics”, and ”Communication Engineering”.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (physics, mathematics or computer science).

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Required qualifications:

• MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering, applied physics or biomedical engineering.
• Previous experience in the area of antennas and their applications in biomedicine/biology is required.
• Knowledge of computational electromagnetics with practical experiences with electromagnetics modeling software.
• Programming in Matlab, Python, C/C++.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with a laboratory environment.
• Practical experiences with antenna design, industrial experience in designing, manufacturing and characterization of antenna systems is meritorious.
• Experience with embedded development on Arduino or Raspberry PI
• Creative thinking, attention to detail and ability to complete tasks.

We value a collaborative attitude, creative thinking and an ability to work independently. Self-motivation, attention to detail, and a problem-solving analytical ability are important personal qualities for this position.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240403 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 2024-08-15

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Hana Dobsicek Trefna, E2, Biomedical Electromagnetics, hanatre@chalmers.se

Dr. Andreas Fhager, E2, Biomedical Electromagnetics, andreas.fhager@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   

---

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
 

---