Next generation radiation detectors for in-vivo quality assurance in Medical Physics

A dual award PhD from the University of Surrey (UK) and University of Wollongong (Australia), to investigate the performance of organic and perovskite materials for dosimetry in photon and hadron therapy applications. The student will spend 21 months at University of Surrey, followed by 21 months at University of Wollongong. The student will be awarded a PhD from both institutions.

Start date

1 October 2023

Duration

36 months

Application deadline

Funding source

University of Surrey

Funding information

Full tuition fee cover, stipend of c £17,000 p.a. and a £3,000 Research Training Support Grant.

About

The proposed research project aims to investigate the performance of organic and perovskite materials for dosimetry in photon and hadron therapy applications. This project will allow the potential development of a new class of dosimeter devices with the capability to monitor the dose delivered to the patient in real-time and in-vivo during the treatment. The outcomes of this study have the potential to impact the medical physics community by providing new and innovative alternatives for radiation dosimetry and its many applications.

New materials for X-ray sensors and dosimeters are currently revolutionising many aspects of public health and security, from medical imaging systems through to more accurate and higher sensitivity patient dosimetry. The rapid development of new ‘organic’ materials is leading this change, with materials that include fully tissue-equivalent organic semiconductors through to hybrid organic/inorganic perovskite thick films.

In this research project we will develop next-generation organic X-ray detectors for use as in-vivo dosimetry for use in procedures such as photon and proton cancer treatments. The unique radiation response of organic materials means that they can offer greater accuracy for dose measurements compared to existing technologies such as silicon devices, while also ensuring minimum perturbation of the radiation field due to their water-equivalent composition. Furthermore, organic materials can be easily processed using low cost solution-based methods, giving a route to low cost, high performance pixelated in-vivo dosimeters with high mechanical flexibility.

Supervisors

Related links

Professor Paul Sellin Professor Marco Petasecca

Additional notes

Please note that this studentship award is part of a wider studentship competition. Those successful in being shortlisted will be put forward to a central panel consisting of University of Surrey and University of Wollongong staff who will then assess the applications and select four of the nominated candidates for funding.

Eligibility criteria

Open to UK and international candidates.

Applicants are expected to meet normal Physics PhD entry requirements.

IELTS Academic: normal University requirements.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Physics PhD programme page on the "Apply" tab. Please clearly state the studentship title and supervisor on your application. In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for, the name of the relevant supervisor and a personal statement. The statement should explain how your previous experience has prepared you for doctoral research and this project in particular. Explain how this PhD will support your career aspirations (maximum 500 words).

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Application deadline

Contact details

Paul Sellin (Surrey) or Marco Petasecca (Wollongong)

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