Research Assistant - Total-Body Positron Emission Tomography with novel crystals (Closed)

Positron-emission tomography (PET) is an imaging technique that plays a pivotal role in medical diagnostics, utilizing positron-emitting radionuclides to track biologically active molecules. The annihilation of positrons and electrons produces gamma rays, which are detected to create detailed images of functional processes within the body.

The PhD research plan will focus on the development of PET scanners with low-cost scintillating crystals, such as cesium iodide and bismuth germinate. These materials emit light when excited by ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays in a PET. A unique aspect of this project involves cooling the cesium iodide crystals to temperatures reached with liquid nitrogen. This cooling significantly enhances the performance of the crystals, increasing their light yield, thus improving the energy resolution of the device. The light emitted by the crystals is detected by silicon photomultipliers, which are efficient and robust solid-state photosensors apt to be used at cryogenic temperatures.

The DIPC group has extensive experience in the development of novel PET techniques, having already realized a prototype of a liquid xenon PET scanner.

The PhD student is expected to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, working on a project that merges particle physics, cryogenics, and medical imaging. The student will also perform detailed microphysical simulations of the device and apply machine learning algorithms to reconstruct the trajectory of the gamma particles and the position of the radionuclides.

• Master in Physics is a requirement.
• Knowledge of PET systems and C++/Python programming are preferred qualifications.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2024/10/14

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The team is led by Ikerbasque Research Professor Juan Jose Gomez Cadenas and Ikerbasque Research Fellow Stefano Roberto Soleti. Several engineers and scientists from DIPC and Universitat Politècnica de València are part of the collaboration.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2024/34
• Application deadline: 2024/10/04
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

This project has received funding from the Basque Government's grant program "ESS"