Within the Sensing for Surgery project one of the challenges addressed is preventing incomplete tumour resection by sensing tumour margins during the resection. To date incomplete tumour resection is an issue in particular in breast conserving surgery (BCS) and is mainly caused by he limited feedback surgeons have during the surgery. Providing the electrosurgical knife used in most of these BCS with real-time tissue feedback has the potential to avoid these incomplete resections. The scientific and clinical goal for this part of the project is to optimize the integration of spectral tissue sensing (STS) into an electrosurgical knife in order to provide real-time tissue feedback to the physician during surgical procedure. In particular (1) designing the electrosurgical knife with integrated STS to minimimize contamination and to optimize ergonimics, (2) improving the tissue discrimination algorithm and (3) testing the new design in collaboration with physicians are part of the assignment.

A master of science in electro and/or computing, informatics, medical cybernetics, biophysics, physics, or mathematics is, however, particularly relevant.

Strong academic record with a weighted average grade of master’s courses in the top segment.

Special interests for and competence in development of technology for instrument development for minimally invasive surgery, practical experience with research methods, and R&D work at research institutes, universities and/or the health sector can be advantageous.

We emphasize collaborative skills, initiative, ability to accomplish tasks, practical skills, and ability to create and establish new projects in collaboration with colleagues.

Fixed-term contract: contract for 4 years.

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 childcare 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. 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 http://www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

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 Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits. 

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering coordinates the education and research activities in the field of mechanical engineering techniques, such as modelling and design, to analyse the interaction between biological and technical systems. Within the Minimally Invasive Surgery and Interventional Techniques (MISIT) group, new technology is developed to improve the minimally invasive approach. With this approach patients can be treated with less damage to healthy tissue. The MISIT section focuses on steerable instruments design, training and evaluation, operating room design and patient safety.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me