"PhD Position on Shape Analysis for Medical Imaging"

Job Description

Do you want to help us make AI more efficient for medicine? If the answer is yes, please continue reading!

Join our team! We are looking for a PhD student to work on the topic of shape analysis for medical imaging, tailored for deep learning. The high-level goal of the project is simple: to use anatomical knowledge and existing knowledge as training data for deep neural networks (instead of manual annotations). The research will be conducted within the qurAI group (see description below), focused initially on musculoskeletal applications, but open to others by collaborating with fellow PhD students. At the intersection of different sub-fields (applied mathematics, software engineering, and medicine), it is expected to refine the scope and goals of the project with the selected applicant, depending on technical skills and personal interests.

This is what you will do

This PhD project is expected to go back and forth between methodological and theoretical developments; and applied works toward the clinical applications within the group.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• conducting independent research in AI and medical image analysis, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international conferences and/or books;
• actively contributing to the (research) activities of qurAI group;
• assisting in educational activities and supervision of bachelor and master students;
• connecting with other students of the group, identifying synergies and opportunities for interesting collaborations.

What we ask of you

The ideal candidate has a curious mind, is independent, and shows attention to details. The ability to select and adapt existing methods for the current task in the most efficient manner is a core skill needed. Moreover, good communication skills, with various stakeholders of diverse background, is paramount.

Required experience and skills:

• master's degree/engineering degree in artificial intelligence/computer science/applied mathematics;
• demonstrated abilities in research or problem solving tasks (public challenges, coding competitions, published research, et cetera);
• fluency in mathematical notation, comfort with algebra and calculus;
• C1/C2 level in English, both in oral and in writing;
• knowledge and/or mastery of different programming paradigms;
• working proficiency with Unix and Git.

Nice to highlight in your application (if applicable):

• other spoken languages;
• volunteering;
• sports/musical instrument/other activities demonstrating discipline and consistency;
• any other experience deemed relevant.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

You will work in this team

The Quantitative Healthcare Analysis (qurAI) is an interfaculty group embedded in the Faculties of Medicine (Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics – BMEP) and Science (IInformatics Institute – IvI) of the University of Amsterdam, with strong ties with clinical department at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMCs) as well as close collaborations with parties as the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI). At qurAI we focus on the development and clinical implementation of socially responsible AI innovations in healthcare, so as to become an indispensable part of the Amsterdam ecosystem in the field of AI and healthcare.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.