This PhD opportunity at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) in collaboration with the University of Antwerp focuses on developing next-generation, real-time radiotherapy safety systems. The project aims to combine high-speed scintillation imaging with predictive artificial intelligence and deep learning to create experimental digital twins of radiation delivery. These systems will monitor, model, and autonomously prevent treatment anomalies, moving beyond traditional post-treatment checks to real-time prediction and prevention of errors during radiotherapy. The research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating radiation physics, advanced AI modeling, fast imaging systems, and close collaboration with medical physicists and clinicians. The candidate will build upon an existing prototype that monitors radiation beams in real time, learns from data how the dose evolves, and reacts autonomously to protect patients from anomalies. The work involves experimental physics, AI, and clinical translation, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to safer, adaptive cancer treatment. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in sciences or engineering, with backgrounds in physics, engineering, computational physics, or medical physics. Preference is given to candidates with distinction in their final Master year, and the degree should have been awarded within the last five years. Two reference letters are required, including one from the Master thesis supervisor unless they are also the PhD promotor. The application process is online, and candidates must contact the SCK CEN mentor before applying. The project is supervised by Luana de Freitas Nascimento (SCK CEN), Dirk Verellen, and Steve Vanlanduit (University of Antwerp). The application deadline is March 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the SCK CEN website or contact the mentor directly. This position is ideal for motivated students interested in radiation physics, artificial intelligence, medical technology, and clinical safety systems.

This fully funded PhD position at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) in Mol, Belgium, in collaboration with Universiteit Antwerpen, focuses on developing next-generation safety systems for radiotherapy. The project aims to combine high-speed scintillation imaging with predictive artificial intelligence to monitor and control radiation beams in real time, moving beyond traditional post-treatment checks to proactive error prevention during cancer therapy. The research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating radiation physics, experimental physics, deep learning, and medical technology, and involves close collaboration with medical physicists and clinicians to ensure clinical translation. The doctoral candidate will build upon an existing prototype system that uses fast cameras, radiation detectors, and advanced AI models to monitor and learn from radiation dose delivery, autonomously reacting to anomalies to protect patients. The project is situated at the intersection of medical science, physics, computer science, and biomedical engineering, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to safer, adaptive cancer treatments. The research group is part of the RP Dosimetry and Calibration expert group at SCK CEN, with mentorship from Luana de Freitas Nascimento and university promoters Dirk Verellen and Steve Vanlanduit from Universiteit Antwerpen. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in sciences or engineering, preferably with distinction, and a background in physics, engineering, computational physics, or medical physics. The degree must have been awarded within the last five years. Two reference letters are required, including one from the Master thesis supervisor unless they are also the PhD promotor. The application process involves contacting the SCK CEN mentor, preparing a CV, motivation letter, and supporting documents, and submitting them online via the SCK CEN website. The position is fully funded for four years, with a stipend and tuition covered. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the SCK CEN website or contact the mentor directly. This PhD offers a chance to work at the forefront of radiation protection, AI, and medical technology, contributing to the future of safer radiotherapy for cancer patients.