PhD Position in Research on CEUS Sonoporation for Colorectal Liver Metastases

A PhD position in research on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) Sonoporation for Colorectal Liver Metastases is offered through a collaboration between the Center for Surgical Science (CSS) and the Center for Surgical Ultrasound (CSU) at ZUH, Køge. This full-time position lasts three years with expected start 1 March 2025.

Are you interested in colorectal cancer surgery and translational research to optimize surgical outcomes? Are you also interested in surgical ultrasound and willing to obtain skills in ultrasoundscanning, intervention and CEUS. If so, you may be the medical doctor we are looking for to join a PhD project at the Center for Surgical Science and the Center for Surgical Ultrasound at Zealand University Hospital in Køge.

About CSS, CSU, and the Research

CSS consists of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, students, molecular biologists, computer scientists, bioinformaticians, data engineers, nurses, lab technicians, physiotherapists, and dieticians, led by Clinical Professor Ismail Gögenur. Our goal is to improve the treatment of patients with surgical diseases, reduce morbidity, and optimize clinical outcomes. Through a multidisciplinary research approach, we utilize the full spectrum of available healthcare data to tailor multimodal interventions and identify key challenges for patients undergoing surgery, aiming to individualize pre-, intra-, and postoperative treatments.

CSU, located in the surgical outpatient clinic, is led by Clinical Professor Christian Pallson Nolsøe. The center focuses on advanced ultrasound diagnostics and therapy, particularly in cancer treatment. Research also includes the education and implementation of ultrasound in medical and surgical contexts. CSU regularly offers courses and trains medical students and junior doctors in basic and advanced surgical ultrasound techniques.

Benefits of Being a PhD Student at CSS and CSU

At CSS and CSU, we investigate innovative interventions before, during, and after surgeries. Using both clinical and translational research methods, as well as all both basic and advanced ultrasound. We lead international projects to advance personalized medicine and improve surgical outcomes and prognosis.

Project Description

This study explores the use of CEUS combined with sonoporation for treating colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Sonoporation creates temporary pores in cell membranes, enhancing the delivery of cancer treatments directly to tumor cells. CEUS optimizes this process by using contrast agents to produce microbubbles, which amplify drug effectiveness. This method, known as Ultrasound-Mediated Targeted Delivery (UMTD), has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy.

Our research will examine the effects of CEUS sonoporation on colorectal liver metastases through clinical and translational methods. Patients undergoing liver resection will be invited to participate in the study, where CEUS will be applied 2 weeks prior to surgery using commercial ultrasound devices and approved contrast agents. The biological impact of sonoporation will be measured through pathology evaluation including immunohistochemical techniques, RNA sequencing and immune response analyses.

Qualifications

• Medical degree (MD).
• Preferably previous publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong interest in clinical studies within oncology or surgery.
• Dedicated, conscientious, and thorough in your work.
• Excellent communication skills in both Danish and English.

Experience with clinical research and participation in research groups is an advantage.

Application Requirements

• A motivated application letter.
• CV.
• Copies of diplomas and documentation of education.
• Evidence of relevant research experience and/or publications.

Application Deadline

Submit your application no later than January 17, 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on January 24, 2025, or shortly thereafter.

Employment Terms

• Full-time position (37 hours per week) with salary throughout the employment period.
• Enrollment as a PhD student at the Graduate School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Tuition fees are covered by Region Zealand.
• Medical doctors are employed according to the collective agreement for the Danish Association of Senior Hospital Physicians.

Questions

For further information about the position, contact Professor Christian Pallson Nolsøe at [email protected].

Read more about the Center for Surgical Science: centerforsurgicalscience.dk

Om os

Den 1. januar 2024 fusionerede Sjællands Universitetshospital (SUH) med Nykøbing F. Sygehus (NFS). Som et af Danmarks største akutsygehuse driver og udvikler vi sygehusene i Køge, Roskilde og Nykøbing F. Vi har aktivitet på alle regionens sygehuse, og vi betjener alle regionens patienter med specialiserede sundhedsydelser samt tilbyder sundhedsydelser inden for 32 forskellige lægelige specialer.

Som Danmarks seneste universitetshospital søger vi at omdefinere tilgangen til, hvordan sundhedsfaglige ydelser leveres i regionen. Vi stræber efter at sikre lige sundhedstilbud for alle. Med øget fokus på uddannelse, forskning og innovation arbejder vi ud fra tankesættet om at bygge bro over afstande, etablere tværfaglige fællesskaber og bringe specialiseret behandling tættere på borgerne.

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