Developing sub-millimetric radioactive sources based on electroplating and 3D printing technologies, for precision plaque brachytherapy

Description

Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiotherapy, is widely used to treat several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and ocular tumors. More specifically, plaque brachytherapy relies on radioactive sources affixed to the surface of a biocompatible substrate, which is then positioned against an organ or tumor (eye, gynecological, gastrointestinal, and head-and-neck cancers). Compared with external beam therapy, brachytherapy offers superior delineation of tumor contours and more localized dose delivery.

The emergence of 3D printing has opened new possibilities for designing implants and plaques with geometries tailored to the specific anatomy of each patient. One of the main challenges in advancing this treatment modality is the limited precision of current radioactive seeds, which remain relatively coarse, as well as the lack of directionality in the radiation they emit.

The research team hypothesizes that developing very thin, sub-millimetric radioactive sources—fabricated using polymeric substrates and integrated into collimating implant configurations—will be key to creating more personalized plaque brachytherapy solutions.

The main objective of this PhD project is to develop sub-millimetric radioactive devices that, once assembled into geometric arrays, would allow clinicians to “paint” tumors with dose profiles precisely adapted to their individual shapes. The project is structured around three main components:
- Designing, via high-resolution 3D printing, arrays of polymeric sub-millimetric substrates that allow efficient handling, radioisotope plating (on at least one surface), and insertion into collimating apertures.
- Developing standardized and reproducible radioactive coatings on sub-millimetric implants using surface chemistry, electrochemistry, or physically enhanced deposition processes.
- Creating a new generation of plaque brachytherapy technologies by assembling sub-millimetric sources of various sizes and activities onto 3D-printed substrates modeled from patient anatomies, with the goal of producing prototypes applicable to ocular, gynecological, gastrointestinal, nasopharyngeal, and head-and-neck cancers.

The research group at Université Laval has established a unique ecosystem for developing biomedical prostheses and implants—including radioactive devices—through advanced 3D-printing technologies. The project is conducted in close collaboration with the medical physics research teams at CR-CHUQ-UL and with clinical experts in radiation oncology. Positioned at the interface between medical physics and materials science, the student will be actively involved in the development of biomaterial technologies as well as innovative radioactive treatments.

Requirements and Conditions

Specific requirements for the candidate
Candidates for this PhD position are expected to hold a degree in one of the following fields: materials science or engineering, or physical engineering/applied physics, with a strong background in 3D printing.

Essential Requirements:
- A Master's degree in materials science or engineering, surface chemistry/electrochemistry, biomedical engineering, engineering physics, applied physics, medical physics, or nuclear science and technology (1st class or upper 2nd class Honours, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated experience in 3D printing (FFF, resin printing, or both).
- Strong motivation for multidisciplinary research and scientific problem-solving.
- Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
- Interest in translational biomedical research and enthusiasm for developing innovative therapeutic technologies.

Interested applicants should send the following documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Covering letter, including contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Université Laval and the CR-CHUQ-UL,
- English language certificate or French language certificate.

Application Deadline

May 15, 2026