PhD candidate: automation of preoperative planning and intraoperative assistance

Job description

Optimizing the utilization of OR resources is critical for the sustainability of surgical care. The demand for surgical care is increasing and surpasses the supply, which is unable to grow due to budgetary restrictions and a shortage of operating room staff.

As a Phd candidate in automation of preoperative planning and intraoperative assistance, you will be at the forefront of transforming surgical procedures. Your day-to-day activities will include:

• Collaborating with surgeons and interdisciplinary teams to understand workflow requirements.
• Developing and implementing digital tools to assist in preoperative preparations and intraoperative guidance. Digital tools include AI-based image processing, 3D-printing, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality
• Conducting hands-on testing and refining solutions in real-world clinical settings.
• Analyzing data to assess the impact of implemented technologies on surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Engaging with OR staff to gather feedback, ensuring user-centric design and optimizing user experience.

The result of this project will be an increase in efficiency, safety, and quality of care, and a decrease in perceived workload and healthcare costs.

Work environment

This position is part of the Sustainable Health Program 'Smart OR2030' within Convergence Health & Technology. 3 PhD positions will be available, which will focus on leveraging technological advancements to optimize the use of surgical care resources and thereby improve the sustainability of surgical care.

This project is a collaboration between Erasmus MC, Erasmus University and Delft University of Technology.

You will be supervised by Bart Cornelissen at the Erasmus MC. And be part of our Maxillofacial Surgery Department, a vibrant and innovative space where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate patient care. Our department is renowned for its commitment to excellence in surgical practices, research, and education. Join our team that values collaboration, continuous learning, and making a real impact on the future of surgical care.

Qualifications and skills

You have the following qualifications:

• A master's degree in technical medicine, biomedical engineering or a related field.
• Experience in at least one of following technologies: Image processing, Artificial Intelligence, 3D-printing, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality.
• Proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Good command of the Dutch and/or English language.

Nice-to-haves:

• Previous experience in a surgical or clinical research environment.
• Knowledge of maxillofacial, orthopedic, and/or trauma surgery practices.
• Passion for improving surgical efficiency and enhancing the well-being of healthcare professionals.

Join us in shaping the future of surgery through innovative automation. If you are a forward-thinking Research Engineer with a passion for healthcare technology, we invite you to contribute to our mission.

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 € 3.017,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.824,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• Working from home is an option.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

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.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. B. Cornelissen, technical physician, 
b.cornelissen@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.