TU Delft is a top tier university and is exceedingly active in the field of Artificial intelligence. The “Knowledge-Driven AI Lab” (KDAI Lab) is devoted to the development and application of AI in applied sciences. We aim to strengthen today’s data-driven AI through integrating fundamental knowledge of imaging physics.

AI techniques are transforming the entire chain of medical imaging, from physical acquisition and image analysis, to its diverse biomedical applications. The current success of AI can be largely attributed to the development of deep learning techniques that learn from large-scale data. The inherent dependency on the available training data, however, raises issues in theory and in practice, including among others, the limited generalizability when distribution shift occurs, and poor explainability when the set of parameters is large and unintuitive. This poses serious concerns when AI is to be applied to a clinical scenario where the stakes are high.

KDAI has 2 PhD vacancies for AI research in medical imaging:
(1) Research in AI methods integrating imaging physics. Your role is to develop AI methods that go beyond the data-driven principle and actively integrate the imaging physics of data (e.g. MRI, CT). The goal is to make the AI algorithms fundamentally robust and generalizable to data sources, including different manufacturers and medical centers.
(2) Research on Explainable medical imaging AI. You role is to investigate explainable AI (XAI), in the scenario of medical imaging. This includes post-hoc understanding and visualization of complex deep neural networks for medical image analysis, and integration of explainability into the medical imaging AI algorithm design.

• An MSc degree in (applied) physics, (applied) mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
• Interest in modern AI principles and applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages C/C++, Matlab, Python.
• Proficiency in written and verbal English.
• The ability to work in a team, take initiative, and be results-oriented.
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students.
• An affinity with medical imaging, image analysis, and clinical applications will be a plus.

Fixed-term contract: 5 years.

TU Delft offers DAI-Lab PhD-candidates a 5-year contract (as opposed to the normal 4-years), with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3217 in the fifth year.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

The Department of Imaging Physics (ImPhys) focuses on developing novel and revolutionary instruments and imaging technologies. Our research products extend existing boundaries in terms of spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and information/data throughput. We are pioneers in developing advanced concepts of computational imaging, a marriage between cleverly designed imaging systems and sophisticated AI analysis.

KDAI Lab is a Delft Artificial Intelligence Lab. Artificial Intelligence, Data and Digitalisation are becoming increasingly important when looking for answers to major scientific and societal challenges. In a DAI-lab, experts in ‘the fundamentals of AI technology’ along with experts in ‘AI challenges’ run a shared lab. As a PhD, you will work with at least two academic members of staff and three other PhD candidates. In total TU Delft will establish 24 DAI-Labs, where 48 Tenure Trackers and 96 PhD candidates will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of science using AI. You will be a member of the thriving DAI-Lab community that fosters cross-fertilization between talents with different expertise and disciplines.

Each team is driven by research questions which arise from scientific and societal challenges, and contribute to the development and execution of domain specific education. You will receive a 5-year contract and will be deployed for AI-related education for the usual teaching effort for PhD students in the faculty plus an additional 20%. The extra year compared to the usual 4-year contract accommodates the 20% additional AI, Data and Digitalisation education related activities. All team members have abundant opportunities for self-development.

The KDAI Lab is directed by Dr. Qian Tao and Dr. Artur M. Schweidtmann. You will work in the Department of Imaging Physics, Faulty of Applied Science and be directly supervised by Dr. Qian Tao. You will work closely with clinical specialists in our collaboration network. You will also collaborate with two other PhDs of KDAI lab, who will be advised by Dr. Artur M. Schweidtmann.