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We have a vacancy for a highly motivated PhD candidate on the project IMPROTOX – Imaging normal tissue toxicity from proton therapy funded by Helse Midt-Norge (Central Norway Regional Health Authority). The appointment will be a 100% position for 3 years.

The objective of the PhD project is to investigate mechanisms of normal tissue damage (side-effects) from proton therapy of head and neck cancer, with a particular focus on the damages to mandibular bone. Damage to the mandibular bone from conventional radiotherapy with photons is a side-effect which severely affects quality of life for survivors of head and neck cancer. Proton therapy will be available in Norway from end of 2024 and besides the new treatment modality for cancer patients, this will also provide new, unique facilities for experimental research.

In the PhD project, investigations with protons will be done in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models such as cell cultures, spheroids and xenograft models, and results will be compared to experiments using x-rays/photons. The project will include working with a range of experimental techniques, such as, immunological assays, advanced microscopy, flow cytometry and radiobiological assays. Radiation experiments will be performed locally as well as at the proton therapy facility in Oslo or at international facilities.

The PhD candidate will work together with other PhD candidates and researchers who investigates how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) may quantify both tumor response and normal tissue damage from radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Quantifying and understanding how ionizing radiation promotes normal tissue damage is important in order to apply therapeutic interventions to reduce damage and minimize side-effects, ultimately improving quality of life for cancer survivors.

The position is affiliated with the research group in Medical Radiation Physics at the Department of Physics, NTNU in close collaboration with St. Olavs hospital as well as national and international partners. We have access to excellent laboratory and imaging infrastructure to pursue this research project and collaborate with other national and international research groups.