The recruited PhD will work on the acoustical aspects of a project called “3D intra-cardiac echography” (3D-ICE). In this project we will develop a new generation of ultrasound probes for real-time 3D intracardiac echocardiography. These probes will deliver an extended 3D view from within the heart. The probe with integrated electronics will be used before, during and after complicated morphological reconstructions in newborns, repair or replacement of valves, and during electrophysiology procedures. The design of the miniature matrix probe with integrated electronics will be a real challenge that will be tackled by a design team consisting of three PhDs, one post-doc, and scientific staff members from several disciplines.

The 3D-ICE project is funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW) and is a collobaration between Delft University of Technology, Erasmus MC and industry. The recruited PhD will focus on the acoustical analysis and design of the ultrasound transducer, and the beamforming. Main issues in this subproject are the selection of the optimum dimensions of the 500+ elements of the send/receive array, the minimisation of the crosstalk between the elements, and realisation of high-resolution imaging despite the small array size. This will involve running numerical simulations on existing software, developing software for new imaging approaches, and performing measurements.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with good social skills, who likes to work in a multidisciplinary design team. The candidate should have an MSc degree in Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or a similar field. Knowledge of the theory and numerical analysis of acoustic waves is essential, and experience with diagnostic ultrasound imaging is desired. Good communication skills in English are required; knowledge of Dutch is an advantage. The research project should result in a PhD thesis.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers child care and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit https://graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ir. M. (Martin) Verweij, phone: +31 (0)15-2781761, e-mail: m.d.verweij@tudelft.nl or Prof. Dr. Ir. N. (Nico) de Jong, phone: +31 (0)15-2782876. To apply, please send a detailed CV (including a list of publications and a summary of your MSc thesis), along with a letter of application by 1 June 2018 to Angela van der Sande, secr-AWI-TNW@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWIP18-020.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The position is in the Department of Imaging Physics (ImPhys) of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the TU Delft. Our department performs cutting-edge research spanning the range from understanding the basic principles underlying imaging technology to automated image analysis to developing new imaging systems.

The Section of Acoustical Wavefield Imaging is a group of about 20 researchers (scientific staff, post-docs and PhD students) within ImPhys who develop innovative imaging methods and devices based on acoustic waves. We focus on high-resolution ultrasound images. In the field of medical ultrasound, the section has a strong collaboration with the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam. The section houses a unique workshop for prototyping and testing ultrasonic transducers for novel medical imaging concepts.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences