Postdoctoral Scholarship in Physics

set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

Position

The project aims to advance personalized musculoskeletal care by transforming routinely available imaging data, such as 2D X-rays and increasingly common surface scans, into detailed 3D and 4D anatomical models. While advanced modalities like dynamic CT or MRI remain largely confined to research settings, these accessible inputs provide a practical pathway to biomechanically rich models without increased cost or workflow complexity. By leveraging AI models trained on high-end imaging modalities, this project will bridge the gap between routine practice and high-fidelity anatomical analysis. The core scientific objective is to develop a unified pipeline that integrates generative AI, statistical shape modeling, and biomechanical soft tissue modelling to enhance anatomical realism, motion consistency, and clinical interpretability, even under sparse, noisy or low-resolution input conditions.

Tasks

• You will assist in ongoing research projects in statistical shape modelling and related activities of the imec-Visionlab research group.
• You will help coordinate project proposals in the field of shape modelling and contribute to attracting external funding.
• You will assist in the supervision of PhD students.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in physics, mathematics, engineering or computer science from a non-Belgian institution (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• You have a strong background in shape modelling, deep generative modelling (diffusion/transformers), or multimodal representation learning.
• You have strong programming skills, especially in Python, and preferably experience with PyTorch.
• You have a track record of publishing in top image processing / computer vision journals.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.

What We Offer

• We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of 2 years (extendable with 1 year);
• Access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure as well as motion capture scanning facilities.
• Structured support for your next career steps, whether in academia or industry. For example, the successful candidate will receive help and support for securing follow-up funding or for moving to the next career stage.
• Flexible working conditions: hybrid work, collaborative culture.
• The preferred start date is June 1, 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to Apply?

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:

• a motivation letter
• your academic CV

The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.

If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dr. Jan Sijbers (jan.sijbers@uantwerpen.be)

About the University

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.