Description du sujet de thèse

Project description
In order to improve efficacy and safety of particle therapy treatments, we have developed a novel detector for real-time monitoring, based on TOF-resolved (Time-Of-Flight) Prompt Gamma (PG) imaging with 100 ps time resolution, namely TIARA (Tof Imaging ARrAy). The existing prototype consists in 8 detection modules [1] based on Cherenkov radiators coupled to SiPMs, read in time coincidence with a fast beam monitor [2]. A clinical-scale demonstrator composed of 30 modules will be realized by the end of 2026. The TOF between the beam monitor and the TIARA modules, together with TIARA modules' positions constrain the PG vertex coordinates allowing a 3D reconstruction of the ion range in real-time and with a millimetric precision at pencil beam level [3]. The dedicated reconstruction algorithm developed paves the way to a new medical imaging technique, Prompt Gamma Time Imaging (PGTI) that can be used for both proton range monitoring and proton radiography. Supported by encouraging preliminary results, our aim is now to establish the potential and the limits of the PGTI technique with the full-scale TIARA detector through MC simulation and dedicated experiments at proton therapy facilities.
This multidisciplinary project has been funded by the European Community (ERC grant PGTI) for a duration of five years. Physicists, engineers, mathematicians and clinical medical physicists from three French institutes (two CNRS labs, LPSC and CPPM and the CAL proton therapy centre) are jointly working on the development and test of the TIARA detector and the PGTI reconstruction algorithm in order to reach their clinical applicability.

Job description
The current position is based in Grenoble, at the CNRS Laboratory of Subatomic Physics and Cosmology (LPSC). The successful candidate will be responsible of two key tasks: detector integration and MC simulation.
Detector integration. In collaboration with the electronics and detector departments at LPSC, she/he will supervise the integration and test of the full-scale detector, ensuring the different modules are fully compatible. Through MC simulation, the PhD researcher will propose practical experiments that can be reproduced at proton and carbon therapy facilities to validate the feasibility of the technique. She/he will then contribute to their realization during dedicated experimental campaigns and will be in charge of the data analysis.
MC simulation. The candidate will also conceive and implement dedicated Monte Carlo simulations to study the image quality (spatial resolution, SNR…) achievable with this technique and the dose delivered to the patient in different irradiation scenarios. Starting from simplified geometries the study will progressively include all parameters that will have an impact on the experimental application, including the simulation of realistic patient anatomies based on digital phantoms and patient's CT images.

Activities
- Test and characterization of particle detectors;
- Participate to the conception and realization of experiments at proton beam facilities and take charge of the related data analysis;
- Design and implement MC simulations to study the clinical feasibility of PGTI;
- Upload, document and maintain the software developed on GitLab;
- Format research data output according to the project Data Management Plan;
- Engage and collaborate effectively with other members of the collaboration;
- Give presentations at collaboration meetings and conferences;
- Write scientific papers, technical notes and reports.

Contexte de travail

The Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (220 employees) is a joint research unit
under the supervision of the CNRS (IN2P3 Institute - Nuclear and Particles), the Université
Grenoble Alpes and the Grenoble INP engineering and management institute. It is located on two
the Grenoble scientific polygon, where the main site is located, and in Modane, where the
the LSM national underground platform.
The LPSC is involved in experiments on particle physics, gas pedals, space and
space and innovative nuclear physics.
The position is based at the Grenoble site. The person recruited will be attached to the Nuclear Physics and Medical Applications team.

This position is in a sector covered by the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST).
(PPST). In accordance with regulations, a request for authorization to take on this position must be submitted
with the relevant MESR authority.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.