[visionlist] PhD position on Motion Compensation in MRgHIFU at MIAC, University of Basel

[Philippe C. Cattin]

Title: Motion Compensation in MRgHIFU

Closing date: May 15, 2009.

Topic description:
Within the scope of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) the
Medical Image Analysis Center (MIAC) at the University of Basel is
developing methods for organ motion compensation in high-frequency
focused ultrasound (HIFU).
   The available challenging PhD position is part of a multidisciplinary
project in the field of liver ablation using HIFU. The project involves
both theoretical and applied research aspects, and will be performed in
close collaboration with researchers of the University Hospital in Basel
(UHBS) and University Hospital in Geneva (HUGE).
   Focused ultrasound is a tumour treatment method of the future, and
has the unique capability to deposit sharply localised energy deep into
the tissues producing thermal tumour ablation. Today's phased array
transducers not only achieve a targeting accuracy in the range of
millimetres but also allow complete electronic control over the
ultrasound field that can not be achieved by any other means for tumour
treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging, on the other hand, offers
excellent anatomic delineation of the tumours and measures functional
changes such as blood flow alteration. In addition, MRI provides
excellent capabilities for spatial guidance and on line control of
the therapy in particular the ablation temperature with MR thermometry.
   The focus of this work will be on developing methods for focal spot
locking on a moving liver. For this, the 4-dimensional (3D+time) motion
of the liver will be determined using a modification of our unique 4DMRI
approach. The main challenge of this project is to fuse advanced imaging
techniques and fast image analysis to achieve a closed loop organ motion
compensation system.
   This project will be supported by top clinicians in the area.

Skills:
This project will be supported by top clinicians in the area. The
candidate must have strong communication skills, the ability to combine
basic research activities with the needs of clinicians and be willing to
work in a clinical  environment.
   We are looking for a motivated, proactive person with a background in
computer science, biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics or other
related field.
   The candidate will have solid programming skills, as well as a good
background in general engineering mathematics. A MSc degree or
comparable previous experience is required to join the PhD program at
our University.

Salary / Duration:
The position is offered for 3 years with a salary of approximately
50kCHF / year.

Location:
The PhD work will be carried out at the Medical Image Analysis Center,
MIAC - University of Basel, Switzerland. http://miac.unibas.ch

Person to contact:
Interested candidates should send their resumes with references and
school transcripts to:

Prof. Dr. Philippe Cattin
Medical Image Analysis Center
University of Basel
Spitalstrasse 21
CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
email: philippe.cattin at unibas.ch
http://miac.unibas.ch