PhD position in Biomedical Optics

For this project, we are looking for three PhD students who will work on optical system development, novel catheter designs, data processing algorithms, and modeling of scattering and polarization properties of tissue, with the goal of bringing these technologies to patient care. The research will be conducted at the VU University in Amsterdam. The candidate will be part of the PhD program of the Biophotonics & Medical Imaging section under the Physics and Astronomy Department at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. J.F. de Boer, an internationally recognised leader in the field of Biophotonics (www.deboer.one).

Requirements:

For this position, we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a master's or equivalent degree in (applied) physics or a related field, with a strong interest in biomedical optics. Candidates should be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing and have a good knowledge of optics and excellent experimental skills (two projects), or have a good theoretical physics background and analytical skills with an interest in developing simulations to develop a new formalism to describe polarization properties if scattering media (1 project). The project’s results will be presented at national and international medical and technical conferences and in relevant journals. The successful candidate is expected to write a dissertation leading to a PhD degree towards the end of the 4-year project.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research, and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

De Boelelaan 1085