Scientific Researcher

Job description

Skin aging is a complex and multifactorial process influenced by both intrinsic factors as extrinsic factors. Wrinkles, pigmentation changes and sun damage represent important features of skin aging, manifesting as visible phenotypes on an individual’s face. Skin aging is an interesting field of research not only linked to beauty standards but also to general well-being and healthy aging.

At the Dermatology department, Erasmus Medical Centre, we have a large trajectory of epidemiological research of facial skin aging where both genetic as well as modified factors for different features of skin aging have been identified. We derive the outcomes using 3D-facial photographs from participants of an ongoing longitudinal study, the Rotterdam Study (RS), most of which have been derived using manual scoring. We are interested in the development and implementation of machine learning models to extract features of skin aging.

We are looking for post-doctoral/software engineer researcher to work in development and implementation of deep machine learning algorithms, in particular a diffusion–autoencoder deep learning model to extract AI-based facial phenotypes. The models will be used to derive phenotypes that will be outcomes for epidemiological analysis. The project will be supervised by dr. Luba Pardo (genetic epidemiologist at the department of Dermatology) and dr. Xianjing Liu (AI –based medical image analysis at department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine).

Work environment

A healthy population and excellent care through research and education. That is what Erasmus MC stands for. Pioneering work, pushing boundaries, and leading the way. In research, education, and care. At our organization, we employ thinkers who act. Driven go-getters who, with great expertise, work on improving and innovating today's healthcare and tomorrow's health. 

The Department of Dermatology focuses on transferring (education, training, and information), applying (patient care and diagnostics), and expanding (research) knowledge within dermatology. 

Within the research department of Dermatology, various local, national, and international research projects are conducted. This scientific research is carried out, among other things, to improve existing dermatological treatments and to help develop new medicines. 

Our guiding principles are expertise, reliability, quality, and innovation. Within the team of over 48 physicians (24 staff members and 24 dermatologists in training), nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, and support staff, teamwork, patient-friendliness, compassion, and expertise are held in high regard.

Qualifications and skills

You have completed a PhD in computer science, electrical engineering or medical imagining or a Software engineer with Msc degree.

• You have documented experience (scientific publications or software implementation)
• You are familiar with explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, deep/machine learning algorithms (e.g., autoencoder and diffusion models), and having rich experience with (medical) image processing.
• You are proficient in programming in Python under Linux and high-performance computing (HPC) environments and are familiar with frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV, and Pandas.
• You are fluent in English and can present results of this project in a clear manner
• You can work independently

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• A challenging position within the largest University Medical Center (UMC) in the Netherlands with high ambitions in the fields of healthcare, education, and research.
• A one-year contract with possibility of an extension conditioned on additional funding.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.598,- and a maximum of € 4.654,- (Scale 10, maximum step 6) with a full working week of 36 hours.
• A position of 0.8 FTE based on a 36 hour work week. The starting date is June 2026.
• A salary increase of 3,5% from July 2026, according to the collective labor agreement (CLA).
• Excellent secondary conditions, such as a 13th month's salary paid in November and a personal travel allowance.
• A pension insurance policy with the ABP. We pay approximately two-thirds of the monthly contribution.

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button.

Do you have any questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to Luba Pardo Cortes, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, by phone at 06 57126550 or send an email to l.pardocortes@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.