PhD on Real-Time Rendering of Diffusion MRI Tractography Data

Diffusion MRI (dMRI) tractography is a unique method that can map the complex micro-structural architecture of the human brain. While there have been computational advances in brain mapping, current visualization approaches have lagged behind and fall short of providing visual insight. Existing solutions often face issues such as difficulty in the interpretation of results, lack of scalability, and limited interactivity. This has a major impact on clinicians who often require the most detailed images in order to plan their surgical approach and avoid damaging crucial structures. There is, therefore, an urgent, unmet need for neuro visualization tools that address these limitations.

Join our dynamic research team at TU/e to revolutionize neuroscientific visualization. As a PhD candidate, you will develop cutting-edge brain visualization software, integrating real-time rendering techniques. You will work at the forefront of computational neuroimaging, where you'll experiment with the latest advancements in computer graphics, leveraging techniques from the filmmaking industry to create visually compelling representations of complex brain datasets. Collaborate closely with renowned neurosurgeons worldwide, ensuring real-world impact in pre-surgical planning scenarios.

In addition to contributing to the advancement of neuroscientific research, you'll have the opportunity to pioneer novel visualization tools that bridge the gap between data complexity and clinical interpretation. Benefit from a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, combining expertise in Data Science and Data Visualization. As part of our team, you'll receive comprehensive support and mentorship to develop your skills and expertise. Join us in shaping the future of neuroscientific visualization.

It is expected that the candidate will author high-quality scientific papers and showcase outputs of this work at international conferences.

The project will be developed within the visualization cluster under the supervision of Dr. Maxime Chamberland ([email protected]) and Prof. Anna Vilanova ([email protected]). 

The visualization cluster (https://research.tue.nl/en/organisations/visualization) at TU/e has a strong track record in visualization and visual analytics for ML models and high-dimensional data. It has generated several award winning contributions at major visualization conferences (IEEE VIS, IEEE InfoVis, IEEE VAST, EuroVis); several successful start-up companies (MagnaView, Process Gold and SynerScope); and a number of techniques that are used on a large scale world-wide.

Requirements:

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You are enthusiastic about research in scientific data visualization, real-time rendering (+++), and computer graphics. Knowledge / previous implementation of volume rendering, ray tracing and ray casting techniques.
• You have 1) experience with or 2) a strong background in medical visualization, computer graphics, medical image analysis. Preferably you finished a master in Computer Science or Biomedical Engineering/Imaging.
• Expertise in the field of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and tractography is a plus but not mandatory.
• You have good communication skills and can work in a multidisciplinary team.
• You have strong programming skills (e.g., C++, Python, modern OpenGL or VTK) and have worked with shaders and GPU programming.
• You are creative, critical, analytical, motivated and persistent.
• You have a good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70