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Opportunities are available for
post-doctoral fellows, research associates, and research
engineers/physicists in the area of MRI-guided ultrasound therapy for
localized prostate cancer. We have developed a system that utilizes a
transurethral device to deliver high-intensity ultrasound energy to
generate a pattern of thermal coagulation within the prostate. Accuracy
is achieved by performing the treatment in a closed-bore MRI to measure
the spatial temperature distribution. This temperature information,
obtained throughout the treatment, is used as active feedback to ensure
that the desired spatial heating pattern is achieved within the prostate
gland. This approach has shown significant promise in simulations and
preclinical studies. Currently we are in the process of translating this
technology towards clinical evaluation.
The candidate will participate in the scientific efforts to translate
this technology towards clinical evaluation. This is a very
interdisciplinary effort involving several Sunnybrook groups (Imaging
Research, Urology, Radiology) and a newly founded startup company
(Profound Medical Inc).
Projects include:
1) improving the implementation of MRI for accurate temperature feedback
in the context of full volumetric treatments of the prostate gland;
2) exploration of both imaging and treatment strategies using our
extensive simulation tools;
3) implementing and evaluating promising experimental approaches on 1.5T
and 3T research MR imagers; and
4) fabricating, characterizing and testing various configurations of
multi-element ultrasound transducers at several frequencies. Successful
techniques will be tested in preclinical studies and translated into
upcoming human clinical trials of this technology.
This is an excellent opportunity for recent PhD graduates in the field
of MR imaging with an interest in interventional applications. While a
PhD is not required, previous experience or familiarity with therapeutic
ultrasound or MRI is an asset.
The Imaging Research group at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a
large multi-disciplinary imaging group with over 175 members including
scientists, graduate students, and professional staff. Our research foci
include MR, ultrasound and x-ray technologies for both imaging and
therapy. We have three whole-body dedicated MR imagers (1.5, 3.0T),
multiple clinical ultrasound and x-ray scanners, and various prototype
imaging systems all dedicated for research use. We also have a manual
and CNC machine shop, and a large specimen histology lab. The
environment thrives on inter-disciplinary research projects ranging from
basic development of imaging technology to clinical research studies.
Toronto is the largest city and the economic engine of Canada. With a
population of close to 5 million people, it is heralded as one of the
most multicultural cities in the world with over 100 languages and
dialects spoken. The biomedical research community in Toronto is at the
cutting edge, with internationally recognized scientists and
accomplishments. In terms of geography, Toronto is situated on the shore
of Lake Ontario, and there are 1500 parks and 8000 hectares of parklands
in the city.
Contact Info:
Rajiv Chopra, PhD
Rm C713, Imaging Research
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, M4N3M5, CANADA
Email: rajiv.chopra@sri.utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-480-6084
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