PhD position musculoskeletal imaging

Your project will focus on the analysis of MRI scans, radiographs, and PET-CT scans of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Medical image analysis, but also integrative statistical analysis of imaging data with other datasets (clinical, biochemical), will be an important part of your project. There is space to pursue your own image analysis ideas within this project (e.g. machine learning or exploration of new analysis techniques). You will perform your research with joint support and supervision from the Rheumatology and Radiology departments. Patient recruitment of 160 patients in the TOFA-PREDICT study is halfway. The first (image) analyses will start soon. The last data collection and verification of the interim analyses will be completed end of 2024. The goal of this research project is to provide patients with a personalized treatment strategy where we can select specific drugs based on predictions.

You will coordinate your work within an (inter)national network of collaborators, including industry partners. Moreover, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, biologists, radiologists, statisticians, and bioinformaticians form an essential part of the job. We offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to an ambitious research program within a highly motivated team. Teaching opportunities will be available, if desired. You will receive training, supervision, and guidance for both your research work and personal development, which will provide an excellent basis to an independent academic career. You will also join the Graduate School of Life Sciences, where you can follow courses and participate in events for PhD students, and attend (inter)national conferences.

The initial contract will be for a period of one year, in case of mutual agreement this will be extended to a total of four years with a thesis defense as a final goal.

You have a master's degree in medicine, technical medicine, biotechnology, or equivalent.

You are interested in scientific research and eligible to enroll at a PhD degree.

You have affinity for medical imaging (experience in this is an advantage).

You have good communication and English language skills, which enables you to interact with colleagues with different backgrounds.

The salary scale depends on your education, knowledge and experience and will be discussed during a job interview.

The maximum salary for this position (28 - 36 hours) is € 5.088,00 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).

You will join the department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology as well as the Radiology department.

The department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology is part of the division of internal medicine and dermatology (DIGD), which focusses on optimal patientcare, education, and (translational) research. The translational research within the department originates from clinical questions regarding healthcare, that are translated to the laboratory, and findings from the laboratory are translated back to improve the treatment of patients. Final use of the research outcomes in patient care is the main objective.

The Radiology department is part of the division of Imaging & Oncology. Due to the technical developments in the field of imaging techniques and image-guided treatments, the specialisms of radiology and nuclear medicine at UMC Utrecht have merged since 2011 into one department of imaging techniques. Research is conducted in a large number of areas within all spearheads of UMC Utrecht. In addition, the department pays a lot of attention to the development and application of machine learning and artificial intelligence within the field.

Research is performed in close collaboration between physicians, clinical researchers, research nurses, radiologists, methodologists, bioinformaticians, technicians, and biochemists. Your team involves 10-15 people, each with their own expertise. Multidisciplinary meetings create a dynamic and open work environment.