The SPECTACULAR project is aimed at developing AI methods to improve early detection of causes of stroke using CT and Spectral CT. Earlier we gathered a unique data set comprising 400 stroke patients scanned with Spectral CT. The objective for the PhD candidate will be to develop algorithms to process and analyze to improve sensitivity and specificity of CT diagnosis. Specific goals include automatic reading and quantification of CTA and CTP to extract thrombus location and infarct volume. The PhD candidate will work closely with imaging researchers, clinical researchers, medical physicists and industry. In addition, for the Ph.D. candidate the project is to be completed with a thesis, consisting typically out of a number of published peer reviewed journal papers which requires excellent English writing skills. This project is funded by Health Holland, Philips and Nicolab.

We are looking for excellent candidates to develop image-analysis and machine learning algorithms for spectral CT and CT perfusion data, with the aim that these algorithms will support clinicians in the stroke diagnosis and treatment process.
You are a creative and enthusiastic researcher with an MSc degree in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering or Biomedical Sciences or similar. Furthermore you have i) a clear interest to develop image analysis algorithms and an affinity with medical topics ii) Experience with deep learning, machine learning, and image analysis is a plus iii) Expertise in software development, preferably in Python and iv) Good communication and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team.
The candidate should be highly motivated and capable of working within a multi-disciplinary environment. The candidate will have a strong contribution to the success of the SPECTACULAR project requiring development, implementation, application and evaluation of image processing algorithms.

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 3.536,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

The imaging division of the University Medical Center Utrecht is formed by Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy. The Ph.D. candidate will be member of the Medical Physics team of Radiology and work in close collaboration with medical specialists and industrial partners. For training-purposes, the Ph.D. candidate will be affiliated with the PhD programme Medical Imaging of the Utrecht University Graduate School of Life Sciences. The PhD programme provides a broad selection of courses and organizes various scientific workshops and colloquia.