The cardiac MRI research group of the departments of Cardiology, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Biomedical Engineering & Physics of the Amsterdam UMC is hiring a PhD-student to develop MRI techniques and post-processing tools for MRI guided cardiac ablations. Recently, the Amsterdam UMC has launched an ambitious MRI guided cardiac interventions (preclinical and clinical) research program to translate cardiac catheter ablation procedures from an X-ray approach into a fully integrated (diagnostics & therapy) single-modality MRI-guided (radiation-free) strategy.

The aim of the current project is to develop improved real-time 3D catheter tracking and periprocedural lesion visualization during cardiac ablation. In addition, we aim for accelerated image reconstruction and post-processing. We will establish a MRI-compatible explanted beating pig heart test platform to develop, test and optimize our MRI techniques as well as our image post-processing strategies. In our group we have developed several strategies for MRI scan acceleration which will be further developed for real-time applications. Tissue mapping strategies during ablation will be validated by histological examinations of the specimens obtained by the MRI-guided biopsies. Achievements will directly be translated to the already running clinical MRI-guided cardiac interventions program.

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Physics or computer science, a solid mathematical background, sound programming skills or similar, as well as affinity to translational research with a keen interest in applying advanced techniques in medical research to improve -cardiac- care.

Basic knowledge of magnetic resonance, numerical optimization, or image analysis is an advantage. Our preferred candidate is a positively minded scientist and teamplayer, able to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team, has good communication skills, with verbal and written skills in English, motivated to learn new approaches and ready to work hard to build an international scientific career. Knowledge and experience in pulse programming, reconstruction and post processing of MRI data and programming skills (Python, Matlab) is highly desirable.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Salary Scale PHD: 2422 tot 3103 euro gross when employed full-time (depending on qualifications and experience).

In addition we offer:

• The base salary does not include allowances for irregular shifts, holiday pay (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%).
• Pension is accrued at the ABP. VUmc contributes a large part of the premium (70%).
• In addition to excellent accessibility by public transport, we reimburse 75% of your OV travel costs (commuting costs).

The position is for 4 years and is available immediately.

Working at Amsterdam UMC means working in an inspiring and professional environment in which developing one`s talents and skills is encouraged. We offer you ample opportunity for development, deepening and broadening, additional training and a place to grow! Working at Amsterdam UMC, VUmc location means working in an inspiring and professional environment where development is encouraged in every espect.

For more information about our employment conditions, please visit our website.

Amsterdam University Medical Center 

Location VUmc 

We offer a resourceful, multidisciplinary and stimulating scientific environment, allowing for top-notch translational clinical research. We are well-equipped with several state-of-the-art 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla MRI scanners. You will be working in an international team of both technical and clinical researchers. The PhD project will be jointly supervised by experts in medical imaging (prof. Gustav Strijkers and prof. Aart Nederveen) as well as by clinical experts in the field of clinical cardiac MRI and interventional cardiology (dr. Marco Götte and dr. Cor Allaart, respectively).