PhD student position (all genders) - (part time 65%)

About the Role

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. The new FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research), one of the world's largest research projects, is currently being built in international cooperation. This position is within the Biophysics department, an interdisciplinary collaboration of biologists, physicists, chemists, biochemists, and technicians. The Particle “Therapy Physics” sub-group focuses on advancing ion-beam therapy by improving treatment precision and effectiveness, with research areas including dosimetry, beam conformity, and novel irradiation approaches like proton mini beam radiation therapy (pMBRT).

This PhD student position is part of the research project PIANOFORTE-PRESTO (PRotontherapy Enhancement by Spatially Fractionated Treatment Optimization). The project explores the use of inhomogeneous dose distributions (minibeams) on a (sub-)millimeter scale to spare normal tissue without compromising tumor cure. Key challenges include developing strategies for irradiating large clinical targets and creating dosimetric approaches to verify these highly inhomogeneous fields. The role involves dosimetry, beam modulation, characterization, application, and instrumentation, with experimental campaigns planned at the DCPT in Aarhus.

Posting-ID: 26.124-1590. Starting date: 06.08.2026. Part-time position (65%).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research within the PIANOFORTE-PRESTO project, focusing on dosimetry, beam modulation, and characterization for proton mini beam radiation therapy (pMBRT).
• Develop strategies for irradiating large clinical targets using inhomogeneous dose distributions.
• Design and implement dosimetric approaches to verify highly inhomogeneous fields.
• Participate in experimental campaigns at the DCPT in Aarhus.
• Collaborate with an international, multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians.
• Prepare and analyze research data, primarily at GSI.
• Contribute to the advancement of ion-beam therapy through innovative research.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in medical physics, biomedical engineering, detector physics, or a related field.
• Strong interest in dosimetry and particle therapy.
• Basic knowledge of detector systems for particle physics.
• Basic programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, or similar languages).
• Ability to work in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• Curious, open-minded, and proactive approach to research.

Qualifications

• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Proficiency in German is a plus.

Benefits

• A unique opportunity to work in a highly stimulating, multidisciplinary, and international environment.
• Contract limited to 3 years.
• Salary based on the collective agreement for public employees (TVöD).
• GSI supports the vocational development of women and encourages women to apply.
• Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.