PhD Scholarship in Flash Radiotherapy

1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. 

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. 

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again. 

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

2 - Position description

The Faculteit Geneeskunde en Farmacie, Department Observerende Klinische wetenschappen, is looking for a PhD-student with a doctoral grant. 

More concretely your work package, for the preparation of a doctorate, contains: 

Conducting research in the domain of medical radiation physics.

The project you will be working on consists of two parts:

1. Dosimetry and beam characterization in FLASH

The first area centers on dosimetry and radiation field characterization. We will test and validate existing and novel detectors, analyzing their responses under ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) conditions. Once their performance is established, we will conduct comprehensive beam characterization to measure parameters such as spatial and temporal dose distributions, dose rate profiles, energy distributions, and beam profiles. These measurements are essential for capturing the rapid changes that occur during UHDR delivery. To ensure accuracy and reliability, the experimental data will be complemented by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for further validation.

       2. Treatment planning and delivery in FLASH

The beam and radiation field characterized in the first phase will serve as the basis for integrating dosimetric characteristics and a patient positioning system into an existing treatment planning system, developed in collaboration with industry partners. The goal is to assess the capabilities and robustness of the FLASH treatment planning system by comparing FLASH, conventional, kV x-rays and proton therapy plans across a range of targets, beam energies, and configurations. Furthermore, quality assurance tests and beam monitoring procedures will be implemented to ensure the safe and precise delivery of FLASH radiotherapy.

Assisting with and participating in clinical tasks within the radiotherapy department at UZ Brussel

For this function, our Brussels Health Campus (Jette) will serve as your home base. 

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• You hold a Master of Physics, Master of Physics and Astronomy, Master of Biomedical Engineering (preferably with a profile in Radiation Physics), Master of Nuclear Engineering, Master in de medical radiation physics, or Master in industrial sciences: nuclear technology.

• Understanding the specifics related to the medical sector and a strong interest in the patients’ wellbeing.
• Flexible and able to work independently and in team.
• Analytical mind, scientific orientation and problem solving skills.
• Already being certified as a Specialist in Radiation Physics in the area of Radiotherapy is a nice plus, but is not a formal requirement.
• Good communication skills in a multi-disciplinary environment. If Dutch is not your mother tongue, you are prepared to learn this language in a short term.

• You have not performed any works in the execution of a mandate as an assistant, paid from operating resources, over a total (cumulated) period of more than 12 months.

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague?

You’ll be offered a full-time PhD-scholarship, for 12 months (extendable up to max. 48 months, on condition of the positive evaluation of the PhD activities), with planned starting date 01/04/2025. 

You’ll receive a grant linked to one of the scales set by the government.

IMPORTANT: The effective result of the doctorate scholarship is subject to the condition precedent of your enrolment as a doctorate student at the university.

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.

As well as this, you will also enjoy various other benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options, a telework allowance of 50 euros per month OR an internet fee of 20 euros per month;
• An open and informal working environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract), closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra leave days;
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
• Full reimbursement of your home-to-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, and/or compensation if you come by bike; 
• A wide selection of meals in our campus restaurants at attractive prices;
• Excellent and affordable facilities for sport and exercise, a range of discounts via Benefits@Work (in  all kinds of shops, on flights, in petrol stations, amusement parks...) and Ecocheques; 
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps; 
• The space to form your job content and to continuously learn through our VUB learning platforms and training courses;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive.

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of?

Then apply, at the latest on 23/02/2025, via jobs.vub.be, and upload the following documents:

• your CV;
• your motivation letter;
• your diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni).

Do you have questions about the job content? Contact Prof. Dr. Thierry Gevaert en Prof. dr. Mark De Ridder at Thierry.Gevaert@uzbrussel.be en Mark.DeRidder@uzbrussel.be.

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB? Go to jobs.vub.be, and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.

Would you like more information about EUTOPIA? Go to eutopia-university.eu, and read more about the role of the VUB in the development of the EUTOPIA alliance.