In a new NWO-TTW-project called MIFFY (Monitoring Infant brain perFusion by trans-Fontanel echographY) we will develop a 3D ultrasound device for monitoring the brain perfusion in preterm babies (24-32 weeks gestational age). In these preterm infants the perfusion of the developing brain is very vulnerable and a timely detection of perfusion defects may prevent irreversible brain damage. The miniature device will be mounted in a cap and will image through the fontanel. It will generate a 3D ultrasound brain image every 10 minutes (high-resolution vascular structure, blood flow and tissue elasticity) and will signal defects. The probe will have about 80,000 elements with integrated electronics and will employ novel beamforming techniques.

This NWO-TTW project is a collaboration between Erasmus MC, Technical University Delft, UMCU and industrial partners. The PhD candidate at Thoraxcenter Biomedical Engineering will focus on the 3D imaging procedure for high-resolution grey value and Doppler imaging as well as image postprocessing for elasticity imaging, on integration of the whole system, and on clinical experiments. Three PhD students will be appointed in total. The second PhD student (TU Delft, Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory) will focus on the development of the electronics as well as the interconnect challenges. The third PhD student (TU Delft, Laboratory of Acoustical Wavefield Imaging) will work on the acoustic design of the probe and novel beamforming.

Enthusiastic PhD candidate (Junior Researcher) with a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, Electrotechnics, Physics or similar, with preferably experience in technical-medical research. Experience in diagnostic ultrasound and image or signal processing is highly welcome. Both Technical Medicine graduates with a strong technical background as well as technical graduates with a solid medical interest are encouraged to apply. The candidate should be able to work autonomously in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment. The research project should result in a PhD thesis.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment.

You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.266,- in the 1st year and increases to € 2.903,- in the 4th year (scale OIO). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

Thoraxcenter Biomedical Engineering is a group of 40 researchers performing highly innovative research in cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. We focus on translational research in ultrasound imaging and image processing, ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging and drug delivery, intravascular techniques and hemodynamics.