The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland's largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences, invites applications for a PhD Student in Proton Therapy Research. PSI is renowned for its cutting-edge research in future technologies, energy, climate, health innovation, and the fundamentals of nature. The Center for Proton Therapy at PSI has been a global leader in treating cancer patients with protons since 1984, pioneering innovative radiotherapy modalities. This PhD project focuses on advancing personalized cancer treatment by developing a mathematical framework to predict the biological effects of proton therapy compared to conventional radiotherapy. The research will emphasize nano-dosimetric quantities, which directly represent DNA cell damage, as a novel approach to assess the biological effectiveness of proton therapy. The successful candidate will optimize proton therapy treatments by integrating these parameters and investigate the impact of various treatment delivery modalities. The position is part of a collaborative project involving the University of Zurich and the Cyclotron Centre Bronowice in Krakow. The selected PhD student will be registered at ETH Zurich, benefiting from a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment and systematic on-the-job training. PSI offers modern employment conditions, personal development opportunities, and support for work-life balance. Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, engineering, or related natural sciences, and demonstrate fluency in English. A strong interest in proton therapy research, mathematical modelling, and programming is essential. The position is fully funded, with a full-time contract and access to PSI’s extensive resources and training culture. Applications must be submitted online by 15 March 2026, including referee contact details. For further information, candidates may contact Prof. Dr Antony John Lomax. For more details and to apply, visit the official PSI application portal.

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland's largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences, is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in proton therapy research at its renowned Center for Proton Therapy. PSI is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in proton therapy, having treated cancer patients with this advanced radiotherapy modality since 1984. The Center is a leader in developing innovative approaches to cancer treatment, focusing on both fundamental and applied research to address major societal and scientific challenges. This postdoctoral project aims to advance personalized cancer treatment by investigating the biological effects of protons compared to conventional radiotherapy. The research will focus on nano-dosimetric quantities, which directly represent DNA cell damage, as a novel approach to predict the biological effectiveness of proton therapy. The successful candidate will develop a Monte Carlo model of the PSI scanning Gantry to recalculate a large number of treatment plans. These recalculated plans will be used for statistical analysis of a retrospective clinical data set, with the goal of improving the understanding of clinical outcomes in proton therapy. The position is part of a collaborative project involving multiple partner organizations, including the University of Zurich and the Cyclotron Centre Bronowice in Krakow. The postdoctoral fellow will benefit from PSI's interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic research environment, as well as systematic on-the-job training and personal development opportunities. The contract is for two years, with modern employment conditions and support for work-life balance. Eligibility: Applicants must have a PhD in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or a related natural science. Fluency in English is required. Experience in medical physics, proton therapy, mathematical modelling, programming, and/or Monte Carlo simulations is advantageous. Funding: This is a fully funded, full-time postdoctoral position for two years. The position is not funded by an EU programme. Application: Applications must be submitted online by 15 March 2026, including a list of publications and addresses of referees. For further information, contact Prof. Dr Antony John Lomax. For more details and to apply, visit the PSI website or the provided application portal.