Optimization of dose distribution in proton radiotherapy - Sano Centre for Computational Personalised Medicine

Sano MSc Project

Optimization of dose distribution in proton radiotherapy.

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Project title: Optimization of dose distribution in proton radiotherapy.
Publication date: 06.10.2022
Closing date: 20.10.2022
Level of education: Undergraduate (BSc, BEng)
Hours: approx. 16 working hours per week/40% FTE
Salary indication: stipend for up to 2500 PLN gross monthly
Supervisor: Dr. Maciej Malawski (Extreme Scale Data and Computing Research Group Leader)
Supervisor: Dr. Leszek Grzanka (Institute of Nuclear Physics and AGH)
Degree awarding institution: AGH
Project start: November 2022

Radiotherapy is a clinical process which could profit from advanced calculation and simulation tools. The success of radiotherapy requires a precise treatment planning. It requires the distribution of radiation dose to be optimized, in order to uniformly irradiate treatment volume as spare as much dose as possible for healthy tissues. This problem is especially challenging in modern radiotherapy techniques, like proton or ion-therapy where large amounts (up to ten thousands) of pencil beams are used to scan through the patient body.

The aim of the thesis is to evaluate various dose optimization algorithms for proton therapy. Main focus will be put on the algorithm performance, its scalability and robustness. The student will study also the non-linear optimisation strategy which include delivering RBE-weighted dose [1] which takes into account the change of radiation effectiveness with the beam energy.

[1] Algorithms for the optimization of RBE-weighted dose in particle therapy Horcicka M., Meyer C., Buschbacher A., Durante M., Krämer M., Phys. Med. Biol., 58 (2) :275-286 (2013)

Postgraduate study can be a great opportunity to gain advanced training, new skills and in-depth subject knowledge. If you’re thinking about a scientific career, you’re interested in computational medicine and are looking at various options, Sano might be the perfect place for you.

Sano is a new nonprofit research institute dedicated to the advancement of computational medicine, developing sophisticated computer methods for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, to meet the overarching worldwide need for efficient, effective and streamlined healthcare.

We recognize that it is all about the skills of people involved in the project, to develop Sano into the world-class research centre for advanced computational medicine.

We’re looking for the best people around and invite all students interested in applied research within computational medicine to apply. The MSc programme at Sano is aimed at providing the next generation of healthcare technology innovators with unique skills.

By applying, you will let us know about your interest in education at Sano. We’re looking for students to work at all our Research Groups – Healthcare Informatics, Computer Vision Data Science, Modeling and Simulation, Clinical Data Science, Personal Health Data Science and Extreme-Scale Data and Computing.

We’re waiting for you!

You are expected to:

conduct research under the direction of your supervisor;
communicate your progress at meetings and document research findings;
collaborate with students, researchers, and other Sano employees.

As our successful candidate you should have:

undergraduate degree – BSc, BEng or other, preferably in computer science or related field;
interest in pursuing applied research in a multi-disciplinary environment;
experience in computing for radiotherapy;
excellent written and oral English communication skills.

We offer a stipend contract until the end of academic year 2022/2023 and expect the student to work on the project for approx. 16 hours per week (40% FTE). This includes attendance in courses, trainings and internal research meetings. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with supervisors at Sano and AGH.

The student will receive a stipend of up to 2500 PLN gross monthly for the duration of the contract.

Sano offers excellent opportunities for study and development, an access to many international conferences on computational medicine and a possibility to grow in a scientific society.

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact us at

Sano Centre for Computational Medicine is a new International Scientific Foundation located in Kraków, Poland.

Sano aspires to be a major translational scientific institute, operating at the meeting point of academic science, established MedTech industry, and emerging start-up environment, combining the best of these three perspectives.

Established with support from the European Commission and the Foundation for Polish Science, Sano aims to be a major driving force behind the advancement of computational medicine for the benefit of healthcare systems worldwide.

Sano acts as a core technology and expertise provider for industry, and creator of innovation, developing state-of-the-art solutions for healthcare. Thanks to the substantial funding and excellent European partnership network, Sano will bring a critical mass to this transformational field of research, in order to translate scientific advancements onto clinical practice. Sano’s ambition is to become the Reference Centre for Computational Medicine in Central Europe and build a reputation as a leading center on a global level.

As a cross-disciplinary institution, Sano uses machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), large scale computer simulations, data science, and other computational technologies towards overcoming global challenges in healthcare systems. The research agenda will be executed in close collaboration with Partners in Poland, EU and USA.

Sano is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application.

Applications in .pdf should include:

a cover letter with an emphasis on your research interests;
a curriculum vitae;

Sano MSc Project