The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

For the Center for Proton Therapy we are looking for a

Your tasks

This PhD position offers the opportunity to contribute to a funded SNF project titled Faraday Cup Reference Dosimetry in Proton Therapy Traceable to a Primary Standard Laboratory. The PhD thesis, Advanced Monte Carlo Simulations for Accurate Proton Beam Dosimetry: Efficiency Calibration of Faraday Cups and Dose Prediction, will play a pivotal role in advancing dosimetry for proton therapy. This PhD position focuses on using advanced Monte Carlo simulations to enhance the precision of radiation dose measurements. You will tackle challenges in calibrating Faraday Cups, improve beam quality correction factors, and simulate dose deposition for next-generation dosimetry methods. In particular:

• Develop advanced Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to model proton beam delivery systems, including detailed characterization of the nozzle, beam properties, and spot parameters
• Simulate the efficiency of charge collection by the Faraday Cup under varying beam energies and operational configurations, incorporating electric and magnetic field effects
• Conduct sensitivity analyses to identify key factors influencing Faraday Cup efficiency and assess their impact on dosimetric accuracy
• Perform cross-validation of Monte Carlo simulations using multiple codes (e.g., TOPAS, PENH, and FLUKA) to ensure robustness and consistency of results
• Simulate dose deposition for calorimetry in graphite and water, refining the calibration and comparison between Faraday Cup-based and calorimeter-based dosimetry
• Collaborate with experimentalists to integrate simulation findings with measured data from the PSI Faraday Cup and reference proton beams
• Contribute to the experimental determination of beam quality correction factors for ionisation chambers using FC-based dosimetry
• Work closely with team members to refine simulation methodologies and develop protocols for accurate reference dosimetry in proton therapy
• Participate in the preparation of scientific publications, presentations, and dissemination of results at international conferences

Your profile

• Master degree in physics, biomedical engineering or related disciplines
• Experiences in Monte Carlo simulations and good programming skills are advantageous
• Fluency in English

You will be registered at the ETH Zurich.

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

31 January 2025

www.psi.ch