PhD position on Interactive Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Image-guided Interventions

Performing accurate and effective minimally invasive interventions requires a comprehensive view on the anatomy as well as the interventional instruments used. MRI can in principle provide such information, however current technologies do not allow for effective visualization and control from within the scanner room. This limits the efficiency and effectiveness of MR-guided interventions.

The aim of this project “MR-VISION” is to enhance the workflow during MR-guided interventions by providing real-time and comprehensive procedural feedback. The project will involve developing new MRI technologies involving advanced visualization tools based on extended reality as well as new MRI methodologies to track both instruments as well as the anatomy in 3D.

This PhD project will focus on designing and integrating new technologies and methods from the domains of physics, electrical engineering as well as computer sciences to serve the next generation of interventional MRI systems. The project will build on the MRI facilities available at the TechMed and will involve clinical tests in collaboration with interventional teams from various clinics. An important aspect in this project is therefore to work across the borderlines of disciplines, e.g. in collaboration with both technology as well as application-oriented groups.

Requirements:

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with an interest in multi-disciplinary research in medical imaging.
• You have, or will shortly, acquire a master degree in the field of biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science or equivalent field.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
• You are proficient in English.
• You are proficient with programming (Matlab, Python, C++, or similar).
• Background knowledge in MR physics is considered a plus.

Salary Benefits:

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier during the first year.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2770,-(first year) to €3539 ,- (fourth year).
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

38 - 40 hours per week

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