PhD student Radiology in the new ICAI Stroke Lab: from 112 to Rehabilitation

Job description

In this PhD project, we will investigate novel AI methods for application in stroke interventions .The main challenges to be addressed are improving image guidance by including pre-operative image information, and models to assess procedural result and predict outcome. By reducing complexity from the information source during the procedure, outcome can be optimized. Furthermore, a realtime analysis of all the pre- and intra-operational information sources (images, intra-body measurements) by AI methods and a translation to the current patient can contribute to treatment success.

This PhD project is one of the five PhD positions in the ICAI Stroke Lab, which is one of the labs in the ROBUST program. The ROBUST program on Trustworthy AI-based Systems adds 17 new labs to the ICAI’s current ecosystem.

The aim of the ICAI Stroke lab is to improve the outcome of stroke patients by optimizing the whole chain from the 112-call to rehabilitation with AI. Specifically, we intend to develop and assess AI-based patient stratification (faster, more accurate) for acute stroke care interventions, AI based functional outcome prediction after endovascular therapy, image-guidance in endovascular interventions for better therapeutic outcome and data-driven individualized stroke recovery policies, based on patients’ current abilities and on constantly updated prognostic models for stroke recovery. In addition, we will study the acceptance of such AI-models by clinical decision-makers. There will be strong collaboration between the PhD students in the ICAI lab.

Work environment

The research in the ICAI Stroke Lab is a collaborative effort by the Departments of Public Health, Neurology, Epidemiology, Rehabilitation, and Radiology & Nuclear Medicine from the Erasmus MC, the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management from the Erasmus University and Philips Healthcare. You will be employed in the Department of Radiology & Nuclear of the Erasmus MC. This department is one of the largest Departments of Radiology in The Netherlands. Within this Department, the Section of Interventional Neuroradiology is responsible for the endovascular treatment of stroke patients, and intra-arterial treatment is performed approximately 250 times per year. The section integrates clinical work with research, and offers a dynamic, challenging, and cooperative research environment. You will also be part of the Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, a group that is internationally at the forefront of biomedical imaging and has a strong track record in biomedical imaging in general, as well as in image guidance in interventions.

The research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Theo van Walsum (BIGR, heading theme group ‘Image Guidance in Interventions’), Prof.Dr. Danny Ruijters (Philips Healthcare, TU Eindhoven) and Dr. Sandra Cornelissen (Interventional Radiology).

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a university MSc degree, that want to contribute to the rapidly developing field of stroke treatment.

• Candidates are expected to have outstanding theoretical and experimental research skills, to be well organized and result-driven, and to have a strong team spirit.
• Candidates also must have strong English language skills (written and oral).
• The candidate should have a degree in a relevant engineering field (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer-Ccience or related field), must have knowledge of medical imaging and machine learning; and knowledge of modern AI techniques.
• The PhD candidate should also have experience with implementing image analysis methods in Python.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary is € 2.789 ,- in the 1st year and increases gradually to € 3.536,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a induvidual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a sports club where you can work on your fitness after work.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for your arrival and stay. 

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Theo van Walsum: t.vanwalsum@erasmusmc.nl.

 If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website. Some demographic data of selected applicants will be shared with Maastricht University who is coordinating the recruitment drive for LTP ROBUST.

You may also check the other vacancies for this ICAI Lab at Erasmus MC (3 PhDs) and Erasmus University (1 PhD).

No agencies please.