The Orthopaedic Research Lab conducts research on the planning, execution, and evaluation of orthopaedic interventions, to optimise the quality of care for orthopaedic patients. The PhD-project in question focuses on the treatment of patients suffering from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The first aim of the project is to provide a better quantification of the deformity of the spine by extracting the 3D curvature from standard radiographs using statistical shape modelling and 3D-to-2D registration. We will apply this technique to a historical cohort of AIS patients, with aim to predict curve progression in AIS patients. This in turn will allow a reduction in the number of radiographs for these young patients, reducing the radiation burden.

In the second part of the project, 3D analysis of radiographs will be combined with musculoskeletal modelling to gain more insight into the expected outcome of treatment. The objective is to develop of a pre-operative planning tool to inform decision-making for surgical treatment of AIS patients.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and perform scientific research in the field of orthopaedics, image processing, and biomechanics.
• Generate and analyse data, write scientific publications, and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Participate in educational responsibilities of the department.
• Work in an international team with other students and scientists to discuss, plans and perform research in a stimulating environment.
• Complete the project with a scientific dissertation.

• MSc in biomedical or (bio)mechanical engineering, biomedical sciences, technical medicine, or a closely related discipline.
• Independent and well-structured working style.
• Strong motivation to succeed in scientific research.
• Well-developed social skills directed to work in a team.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

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Radboudumc

Orthopaedic Research Lab
The Orthopaedic Research Lab (ORL) of the Radboudumc performs fundamental and applied research in the field of orthopaedics. Our multidisciplinary team consists of engineers, biomedical scientists, physicians, and technical physicians. The ORL is embedded in the Radboudumc Institute for Health Sciences (RIHS).

Research Institutes
At the moment there are more than 1,300 PhD candidates at our medical hospital. This number includes PhD candidates on our pay roll as well as external candidates (those employed somewhere else but researching on our premises).

• Radboud Institute for Health Sciences: ± 700
• Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences: ± 400
• Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences: ± 200

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.