PhD Fellowship in Development of Digital Tumor Models

• Norsk Bokmål
• English

The University of Stavanger invites applicants for a PhD Fellowship in Development of Digital Tumor Models at the Faculty of Science and Technology. The position is vacant from September 1, 2024.

This is a trainee position that will give promising researchers an opportunity for academic development through a PhD education leading to a doctoral degree.

The hired candidate will be admitted to the PhD program in Science and Technology. The education includes relevant courses amounting to about six months of study, a dissertation based on independent research, participation in national and international research environments, relevant academic communication, a trial lecture and public defence. Read more about the PhD education at UiS on our website.

The appointment is for three years with research duties exclusively.

The PhD Fellow will be affiliated with ongoing research activity where focus is on development of a Digital Tumor simulation tool for improved anticancer treatment. The project builds on previous research activity where a multiphase modelling approach has been used to develop macroscopic tumor growth models. Focus has been on taking into consideration fluid mechanical forces and other physical forces that are involved in this complex system. For example, it has been observed that many solid tumors have a characteristic fluid velocity field which is a result of the abnormal blood vasculature inside the tumor. Reported research has suggested that this fluid field is something that aggressive cancer cells can exploit. At the same time various aspects of this fluid flow field pose a challenge for efficient delivery of anticancer drug.

In this project it will be explored how the Digital Tumor simulation tool can be integrated with data from medical images. For example, data from PET/CT are typically more or less heterogeneous. It is believed that this heterogeneity can be traced back to various heterogeneous features of the biological tumor which in turn impacts the future evolution and treatment response.

Firstly, there is a need for exploring methods how to efficiently train a mathematical based tumor with such data. Secondly, there is a need for testing how such a trained Digital Tumor model can capture relevant aspects of the underlying mechanisms that determine the future behavior with respect to response on therapy and/or survival time. In collaboration with the supervisors the PhD student is expected to contribute to this work.

Examples of research tasks are:

• Critical review previously proposed mathematical models regarding their ability to reproduce experimental observations and search for improvements of such formulations.
• Examine to what extent can the Digital Tumor explain previously reported response to various therapies?

• Explore whether there are interesting links between the Digital Tumor model and modern texture analysis methods used by researchers to seek for associations between tumor heterogeneity and predicted outcome.

The current research project is relevant for a wide range of academic and engineering disciplines, including medical applications, fluid-solid interactions and flow in chemical and process engineering, as well as basic research within control theory, nonlinear dynamics and statistical learning.

We are looking for applicants with a strong academic background who have completed a five-year master degree (3+2) within physics, applied and computational mathematics, computational sciences, or any other relevant natural science or engineering discipline, preferably acquired recently; or who possess corresponding qualifications that could provide a basis for successfully completing a doctorate.

Applicants must also possess knowledge and experience within scientific programming using Python, Matlab, C/C++ and/or other programming languages.

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programmes at the University of Stavanger both the grade for your master’s thesis and the weighted average grade of your master’s degree must individually be equivalent to or better than a B grade. If you finish your education (masters degree) in the spring of 2024 you are also welcome to apply.

Applicants with an education from an institution with a different grade scale than A-F, and/or with other types of credits than sp/ECTS, must attach a confirmed conversion scale that shows how the grades can be compared with the Norwegian A-F scale and a Diploma Supplement or similar that explains the scope of the subjects that are included in the education. You can use these conversion scales  to calculate your points for admission.

In addition, knowledge and/or experience within one or more of the following topics will be beneficial and will be emphasized in the selection of a candidate:

• Computational fluid dynamics/modelling of multiphase flow
• Numerical methods for partial differential equations
• Image analysis/data assimilation/machine learning methods/data-driven modelling/stochastic models
• Programming skills and high-performance computing and parallel programming

Emphasis is also placed on your:

• motivation and potential for research within the field
• professional and personal skills for completing the doctoral degree within the timeframe
• ability to work independently and in a team, be innovative and creative
• ability to work structured and handle a heavy workload
• having a good command of both oral and written English

A good proficiency in English is required for anyone attending the PhD program. International applicants must document this with a valid test certificate from one of the following tests:

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test (IBT). Minimum result: 90
• IELTS – International English Language Testing Service. Minimum result: 6.5
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from the University of Cambridge
• PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English Academic. Minimum result: 62

The following applicants are exempt from the above requirements:

• Applicants with one year of completed university studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA
• Applicants with an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
• Applicants with a completed bachelor's and / or master's degrees taught in English in a EU/EEA country
• Applicants who are exempt based on NOKUT's GSU list

• a PhD education in a large, exciting and societally important organisation
• an ambitious work community which is developing rapidly. We strive to include employees at all levels in strategic decisions and promote an informal atmosphere with a flat organisational structure.
• access to Lifekeys , a digital service for the preservation of personal mental health and well-being
• salary in accordance with the State Salary Scale, l.pl 17.515, code 1017, NOK 532 200 gross per year with salary development according to seniority in the position. In special cases a higher salary may be considered. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• automatic membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund , which provides favourable insurance- and retirement benefits
• favourable membership terms at a gym and at the SIS sports club at campus
• employment with an Inclusive Workplace organisation which is committed to reducing sick leave, increasing the proportion of employees with reduced working capacity, and increasing the number of professionally active seniors
• "Hjem-jobb-hjem" discounted public transport to and from work
• as an employee in Norway, you will have access to an optimal health service, as well as good pensions, generous maternity/paternity leave, and a competitive salary. Nursery places are guaranteed and reasonably priced
• relocation programme

Diversity is a resource in the working and learning environment at UiS. When we have different backgrounds and experiences, we can approach challenges from multiple perspectives and find better solutions.

At UiS, we are committed to showing respect for each other's differences and accommodating employees with disabilities. We take into consideration your needs and your situation in various life phases.

If you find this position interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, disability, cultural background, or whether you have been out of the workforce for a period.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, gaps in their CV, or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these groups for an interview. If you fall into any of these categories, feel free to indicate it when applying for the position.

Learn more about the criteria for being considered an applicant in these specific groups here .

The university aims to recruit more women within the subject area. If several applicants are considered to have equal qualifications, female applicants will be given priority.

More information on the position (and project description) can be obtained from Professor Steinar Evje, tel: +47 51831741, e-mail: [email protected], Research Professor Geir Nævdal (NORCE), tel. +47 51875630, or Head of Department Øystein Arild, tel: +47 47672710, e-mail: [email protected].

Information about the appointment procedure can be obtained from Senior HR advisor Margot A. Treen, tel: +47 51831419, e-mail: [email protected].

To apply for this position please follow the link "Apply for this job". Your application letter, relevant education and work experience as well as language skills must be registered here. In your application letter, you must state your research interests and motivation for the position.

The following documents must be uploaded as attachments to your application:

• CV with a full summary of your education and experience
• references, certificates/diplomas and other documentation that you consider relevant
• Diploma Supplement or similar and a confirmed conversion scale if this is required
• documentation on competence in English if this is required
• publications or other relevant research work

Applications are evaluated based on the information available in Jobbnorge at the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above and that you have attached the necessary documentation. 

The documentation must be available in either a Scandinavian language or in English. If the total size of the attachments exceeds 30 MB, they must be compressed before upload.

Please note that information on applicants may be published even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the official list of applicants - see Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act . If your request is not granted, you will be notified.

UiS only considers applications and attachments registered in Jobbnorge.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. If your application is considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter legislation, it will be rejected without further assessment.

Employment as PhD Fellow is regulated in "Regulations concerning terms and conditions of employment for the posts of post-doctoral research fellow and research fellow, research assistant and resident ".

Your qualifications for the position, based on documentation registered in Jobbnorge, will be assessed by an internal expert committee. Based on the committee's statement, relevant applicants will be invited to an interview before any recommendations are made. References will also be obtained for relevant candidates. More about the hiring process on our website.

The appointee will be based at the University of Stavanger, with the exception of a stay abroad at a relevant centre of research.

It is a prerequisite that you have a residence which enables you to be present at/available to the academic community during ordinary working hours.

The position has been announced in both Norwegian and English. In the case of differences of meaning between the texts, the English text takes precedence.

The University of Stavanger (UiS) has about 12,000 students and 2,200 employees. The university has high ambitions. We strive to have an innovative and international profile, and be a driving force in knowledge development and in the process of societal change. Our common direction is driven by consideration for green and sustainable change and equitable social development, through new ways of managing natural resources and facilitating better cities and local communities. Energy, health and welfare, learning for life are our focus areas.
In constant collaboration and dialogue with our surroundings, regionally, nationally and internationally, we enjoy an open and creative climate for education, research, innovation, dissemination and museum activities. Academic life at the University of Stavanger is organised into six faculties comprising various departments/schools and National Research Centres, as well as the Museum of Archaeology. We are a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities. The university is located in the most attractive region in the country with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The Stavanger region has a dynamic labour market and exciting cultural and leisure activities.
Together with our staff and students we will challenge the well-known and explore the unknown.

The Faculty of Science and Technology offers study programs at bachelor, master and doctoral level. The faculty has established close cooperation on research with NORCE (Norwegian Research Centre AS) and the regional industry. A number of master's and doctoral theses are made in collaboration with the industry. The faculty has established research collaborations with universities in the US and Europe, and has developed several academic environments that are at the forefront internationally.The faculty has about 2,800 students and approximately 500 employees at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Structural Engineering and Materials Science, Department of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Safety, Economics and Planning.

Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering carries out research and offers study programs at all levels in Drilling Technology, Natural Gas Technology, Petroleum Engineering and Energy Technology. The department has established close research collaboration with relevant industry - especially in the petroleum and battery sector. The department focuses on internationalization, with the development of English study programs and high mobility among academic staff and students. There are currently 60 employees including research fellows and postdocs.

Steinar Evje

Professor

[email protected]

Margot A. Treen

Senior HR-rådgiver

[email protected]

1st May 2024

University of Stavanger

Stavanger

Scope

Fulltime (1 positions) Fulltime (%)

Fixed Term

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