Doctoral Student in Medical Radiation Physics Full-time

Doctoral Student in Medical Radiation Physics

Lund University, Medical Faculty, Department of Translational Medicine

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

The research group Medical Radiation Physics, at the Department of Translational Medicine in Malmö, conducts research within the interdisciplinary field of medical radiation physics. The group is located at Skåne University Hospital (SUS) in Malmö, within the Diagnostic Centre, and is led by Professor Lars E. Olsson. More information about the research group can be found here.

Together with Diagnostic Radiology, the group runs a large number of research projects in breast cancer diagnostics under the joint name Lund University Breast Cancer Imaging Group (LUCI). The research focuses in particular on breast cancer screening and artificial intelligence. Further information is available here.

The Department of Translational Medicine is now announcing a doctoral (PhD) position and employment as a PhD student in Medical Radiation Physics.

Subject of doctoral education: Medical Science

Project description: Within the research group, a large-scale breast cancer screening project is conducted in close collaboration with the breast clinic. The overall aim of the project is to introduce an improved breast cancer screening method: breast tomosynthesis.

The main advantage of breast tomosynthesis is that the technique provides depth information, which significantly improves sensitivity for cancer detection compared with conventional mammography. A disadvantage, however, is the increased workload for radiologists.

In this screening project, all women will be examined using breast tomosynthesis, and artificial intelligence (AI) will be introduced to further improve cancer detection and to identify women at the highest risk of having breast cancer. These women will be assessed by radiologists based on their tomosynthesis images. Women assessed as having a low risk of breast cancer will instead be examined by radiologists using synthetic mammography images (2D images reconstructed from tomosynthesis data). All image interpretation will be supported by AI. With this strategy, the aim is to improve cancer detection while avoiding an increase in radiologists' workload.

Within the framework of the doctoral education, the PhD student will carry out several research projects as part of this overall project.

Work duties and responsibilities: The main duties of a PhD student are to pursue their own doctoral education. You will therefore be both admitted as a doctoral student and employed at Lund University. Your work will include conducting research studies, which involves participation in research projects as well as completion of compulsory courses within the doctoral programme. Within the research projects, you will plan studies, collect data, analyze results, perform statistical analyses, and present your findings in scientific publications and at national and international conferences.

Qualifications: General eligibility for doctoral education is fulfilled by applicants who have:

• completed a second-cycle (Master's) degree, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

Specific eligibility requirements are fulfilled by applicants who have:

• at least 60 higher education credits within the subject area relevant to the doctoral programme,
• proficiency in English corresponding to at least three years of upper secondary education.

Specific requirements for the position:

• A Master's degree in medical physics (medical radiation physics), biomedical engineering, or a closely related field.

Personal qualifications:

• Ability to work independently, perseverance, good collaboration skills, initiative, stability, structured working approach, creativity, strong analytical and mathematical skills, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Good communication, presentation, and scientific writing skills.

Meritorious for the position:

• Experience in diagnostic radiology, particularly mammography (e.g. a Master's thesis within the field), is considered an advantage.

Assessment criteria and selection: In accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance, selection shall primarily be based on an assessment of the applicants' ability to benefit from the education. In admission decisions, the applicant's merits from previous education are normally the primary basis for assessment. In this context, breadth, depth and relevance, as well as elements of independent work, shall be taken into account.

About the employment: The position is a fixed-term position for a total of four years, 100% with a preliminary start date 2026-07-01 or according to agreement. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, so you are expected to be able to perform your work on site in Malmö.

We offer: Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension. As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and an employee, which gives you several benefits.

How to apply: The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. Applications must include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain a diploma, CV or equivalent and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.)