Research Associate In Proton Therapy Detector Development

The University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to contribute to a short-term translational pilot project focused on the development and evaluation of a novel time-of-flight detector system for in-vivo range verification in proton beam therapy. Based within the Division of Cancer Sciences and working closely with collaborators at The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the post offers an excellent opportunity to undertake experimental work in the proton research facility, analyse data to support validation of the technology and contribute to project delivery, dissemination of findings and outputs arising from the pilot study.

You should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in physics, medical physics, engineering or a closely related discipline, with relevant experimental research experience in detectors, instrumentation or radiation physics. You should also be able to demonstrate strong analytical and data handling skills, experience of independent experimental work and the ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research team. Experience in proton therapy, fast timing techniques, Monte-Carlo methods or clinical research environments would be advantageous. This fixed-term post offers access to specialist proton therapy research infrastructure and close links to one of the UK’s leading cancer centres. The University of Manchester is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

You will be responsible for:

• Design, construct and optimise a prototype time-of-flight based range probe integrating ultra-fast silicon detectors and timing electronics.
• Plan and undertake experimental measurements in the proton therapy research facility to characterise detector performance, timing resolution and calibration against proton range.
• Carry out validation studies using appropriate phantom models and compare findings with established clinical systems and detectors.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data to assess system precision, uncertainty and performance against project objectives.
• Work collaboratively with academic, clinical and technical colleagues across the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust to support delivery of the project.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• PhD (or near completion) in physics, medical physics, engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in experimental research involving detectors, instrumentation or radiation physics.
• Experience of designing and conducting experiments independently.
• Experience of analysing complex data sets and interpreting results.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working with time-of-flight measurement techniques or fast timing electronics.
• Experience of working with Monte-Carlo simulation tools.
• Experience of in-vivo range verification research or related translational detector development.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Dr Michael Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Proton Therapy Physics

Email Address: m.j.taylor@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.

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