Postdoc position in Microwave Hyperthermia

Information about the research/the project/the division
We are looking for a Postdoc 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 activity in the development towards these applications involves mainly signal processing methods, antenna system design and design of measurement hardware. Construction of complete prototype systems for clinical tests is a key goal in all projects.  

In this project we will develop a clinical prototype of the head and neck applicator to verify the feasibility of our focus-adapted beamforming approach in clinical studies. 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 form a focus spot inside the tumor. Your part of the project will be oriented towards electromagnetic modeling of arrays antennas and system level frontend analysis (including the power amplification stage and effects of cross-talk between multiple transmitter channels), robust manufacturing, and on performing measurements to verify the system level accuracy and focus ability. The project also involves integration of the hardware with the focusing algorithms and to optimize its focusing ability and assess and optimize the system level performance in the laboratory and later in the clinical environment. 

The research environment will be an integrated part in MedTech West, a common biomedical engineering center created by five western Swedish partners, including Chalmers University of Technology and the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Further, this research project is embedded in the Vinnova Excellence Research Centre ChaseOn, which encompasses multiple inter-disciplinary research fields, such as antenna systems, signal processing, mobile communications, scientific computing, biomedical engineering and the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation. The Centre is supported by 18 Swedish companies.  

Further information can be obtained by contacting the project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Hana Dobsicek Trefna hanatre@chalmers.se.

Major responsibilities
In this project you will carry out independent research to promote the present UWB hyperthermia system into its clinical prototype that will be used for cancer treatment of head and neck tumors. In particular you will:

(i) re-design the amplifier system for clinical applicability,
(ii) produce electromagnetic models with commercial software tools (e.g. CST, ADC, HFSS) and use that as a tool to improve the antenna system as well as its mechanical design,
(iii) performing measurements and calibration of the antenna system.   

Your major responsibility will be to publish the work in scientific technical journals and at conferences. You will also participate in supervision of master- and PhD-students, be involved in teaching activities (5-10% of the working time), and participate in international conferences and networks.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 1,5 years.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position you need a PhD-degree in the field of antenna theory and technology, electronic circuitry and have a strong interest for microwave hyperhermia and other biomedical applications of microwaves. In addition to the formal qualifications, selection is also based on the performance of the candidates in other works (e.g. thesis and advanced level courses), as well as through interviews. Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, motivation, ability to cooperate and initiative to work independently. Excellent communication skills in writing and fluency in English are required, Previous experience in the area of antennas and microwaves is required, while industrial experience in desinging, manufacturing and characterization of antenna systems is meritorious.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200308 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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 research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 12th of July -2020

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

Dr. Andreas Fhager, 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. ***