PhD Position in Dynamic [18F]FET PET Imaging and Physiological Modelling in Glioblastoma Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet

A fully funded 3-year PhD position is available for the project “Non-invasive estimation of combined metabolic and vascular physiology in the tumor and brain in glioblastoma patients using [18F]Fluoroethyl-l-tyrosine (FET) and Tikhonov Model-Free Deconvolution in a Long Axial Field-of-View PET/CT Scanner”. The project aims to investigate tumour and brain physiology in a prospective glioblastoma cohort using state-of-the-art PET/CT and PET/MR scanners and advanced kinetic modelling.

This single-centre study involves the Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, the Department of Radiology and the Department of Oncology at Rigshospitalet.

This PhD position will focus on developing, validating and applying advanced pharmacokinetic modelling approaches in a prospective glioblastoma cohort and relating quantitative imaging biomarkers to clinical outcomes. The PhD candidate will be involved in patient recruitment, imaging protocol development, image analysis, kinetic modelling, clinical data handling and dissemination of research findings.

The primary objectives are:

• To develop and test new pharmacokinetic principles in glioblastoma using LAFOV [18F]FET PET/CT.
• To determine if perfusion can be reliably estimated in tumour and healthy brain tissue using novel kinetic analysis.
• To identify candidate quantitative or semi-quantitative physiological parameters in tumour and healthy appearing brain, either by observation at a single time point or prospectively, that can separate pseudoprogression from true progression using novel state-of-the-art [18F]FET PET/CT and advanced PET/MRI.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a medical doctor with Danish medical authorisation and a strong quantitative profile, preferably with a background in university-level mathematics, medical imaging, image analysis or related methodological work. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team is essential.

Prior hands-on experience with PET neuro-oncology, dynamic PET imaging, kinetic modelling, model-free deconvolution or quantitative image analysis is highly valued. Experience with handling PET data, tumour delineation, clinical neuro-oncological data and statistical analysis is also considered a strong advantage. Programming experience in MATLAB, R, Python or similar analytical environments is considered an advantage.

A strong interest in neuroimaging, glioma biology and translational clinical research is essential. Prior research experience, conference presentations or publications within PET imaging, neuro-oncology, quantitative imaging or related fields will be highly valued.

What We Offer

We provide an opportunity to be part of a large and ambitious research project that examines glioblastoma physiology in both tumour and healthy brain tissue using new and innovative approaches. The research environment is multidisciplinary, equipped with top-class facilities, and fosters a collaborative and friendly atmosphere.

The project provides access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities, including LAFOV PET/CT and advanced PET/MR imaging, and will be conducted in close collaboration between nuclear medicine, neuro-oncology, neuroradiology, physicists and imaging scientists.

The FET-KIN GBM project is led by Professor Ian Law at the Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet. The primary workplace for this position will be at the Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet.

Application Process

The application deadline is 24. June 2026, and applications should be submitted online via the job advert link. Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV and a motivated application, detailing relevant coursework, previous research experience, education and practical skills.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity.

Terms of Employment

The position is full-time for a period of three years starting February 2027. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement within the Capital Region of Denmark.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Ian law ( Se e-mailadresse på sundhedsjobs.dk )

About Diagnostic center Rigshospitalet

The Centre of Diagnostic Investigation comprises a collection of highly specialized departments: Diagnostic radiology, clinical biochemistry, pathology, clinical immunology, clinical physiology/nuclearmedicine and PET, clinical microbiology, clinical genetics & center of genomic medicine.  

The center has a staff of app. 1.550 and an annual turnover of 1.2 billion kroner. The center produces annually 10 mill. laboratory analyses and performs 650.000 image diagnostics based on 1 mill. contacts with patients and donors.

The core task is high-level research, strong educational environments, customized diagnostics and patient treatment. 36 professors and other researchers provides annually more than 700 scientific articles in international reputable journals.