Assistant researcher to the Diagnostic Radiology research group

Description of the workplace
The Diagnostic Radiology research group performs research related to clinical imaging diagnostics. LUCI (Lund University breast Cancer Imaging) is an interdisciplinary group of scientists and medical professionals, mainly focused on innovative clinical imaging methods in breast cancer diagnostics, with a particular focus on cancer screening and artificial intelligence. Located at the Skane University Hospital (SUS) Malmö, Diagnostic Radiology and LUCI are both headed by Professor Sophia Zackrisson and consist of scientists with diverse professional background as well as technical staff. More information can be found here.

The LUCI research group has collaborated with the Quantum Information Group at the Department of Atomic Physics, Department of Physics, on optical imaging of tissue for the past 10 years. This collaboration has deepened over time and is now in a very active phase with clinical studies on optical imaging of breast tissue by combining light and ultrasound using the Ultrasound Optical Tomography (UOT) technology. A first goal at present is to investigate to what extent UOT could be used to reduce the number of biopsies through UOT-based diagnostics of suspicious tumor indications. The hypothesis is that UOT could determine whether the current indication is benign or malignant and thereby reduce the number of women requiring a biopsy.

The clinical studies are being conducted in collaboration with the start-up company Deep Light Vision. However, the current research would need to be supplemented with theory development and image analysis studies, and we are looking for a qualified assistant researcher for this task.

Within the research group, we are committed to providing a good working environment characterised by respect and consideration in our interactions with one another, and we strive to create a workplace that is both stimulating and offers opportunities for professional development for all employees. We continuously work to create the right conditions for job satisfaction, development and participation for all employees. We are committed to ensuring both physical safety and a good psychosocial work environment.

What we offer
Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will have special benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension. We also have a flexitime agreement that creates good conditions for work/life balance. Read more on the University’s website about being a Lund University employee, Work at Lund University.

Work duties and responsibilities
In this position, you will contribute to research in two main areas.

First, you will investigate how a database of digital UOT images can be established through clinical studies. Your research will focus on evaluating the feasibility of creating a comprehensive image database that can support further optimization of the UOT imaging technique and enable the development of AI-based tools for UOT data analysis.

Second, you will conduct theoretical and computational research to support the development of UOT technology. This includes modelling and simulation of UOT signals to study factors such as the effects of tissue scattering on signal strength and resolution, interactions between ultrasound and optical properties, and how surrounding tissue influences image formation.

You will also contribute to the development, validation, and evaluation of software and experimental UOT systems for clinical research studies, as well as the analysis of clinically acquired UOT data.

Throughout the employment period, you will spend part of your time in a clinical environment, gaining valuable insight into breast cancer diagnostic workflows and their relevance for the future implementation of UOT imaging. You will actively participate in research meetings, present your findings, and be encouraged to disseminate your results through national and international scientific conferences.

Qualifications:
Requirements for the position:

• PhD in physics, or in a related field
• Experience in modeling light scattering in tissue and modeling the interaction between light and ultrasound in tissue.
• Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and writing)
• Previous research experience within the subject area of the project.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. The duties require you to be able to work independently; have high analytical skills; and have good collaboration and communication skills.

Further information
The position is a fixed-term employment (särskild visstidsanställning) of 9 months, full-time position (100%), with a preliminary start date of 1 December 2026, or as agreed.

How to apply
You apply for the position via the University's recruitment system. Applications must include a personal motivation letter, a CV, a diploma and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation).