We offer an exciting PhD position at TU Delft in the field of biomedical image analysis and data processing. Apply now and contribute to a better reconstruction of complex fiber networks, e.g. nerve fibers in the brain.

The position is in the group of Dr. Miriam Menzel, at the Department of Imaging Physics. The group has developed an imaging technique that exploits the scattering of visible light to visualize complex fiber structures in biological tissues. Your main focus will be to analyze the measurement data (light scattering patterns), and develop enhanced image processing and signal analysis tools to improve the reconstruction of fiber structures and to extract additional information from the measured scattering signals, such as tissue composition or fiber sizes. Prior knowledge about the imaging technique and/or biological tissues is not required. You will have access to a large database of measured scattering signals from known fiber structures which you can use to train your algorithm, and to learn how to better interpret the data, recognize patterns, and distinguish between different fiber structures – in the brain as well as in other biological tissues.

Computational Scattered Light Imaging (ComSLI) is a highly promising new imaging technique that resolves fiber pathways and their crossings with micrometer resolution. While other scattering techniques raster-scan the tissue with a light beam and measure the distribution of scattered light behind the sample, ComSLI uses a reverse setup: The whole tissue section is illuminated from many different angles and the normally transmitted light is measured, thus enabling much higher resolutions and requiring only standard optical components (LED light source and camera).

Further information about the Menzel Lab and the research can be found on the website: https://menzellab.gitlab.io/

We are looking for a talented and driven PhD candidate with:

• Excellent university degree (Master) in Physics, Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Life Science Informatics, Computer and Embedded Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of data science, image analysis, and signal processing
• Good programming skills preferably in Python; experience with AI and machine learning is beneficial
• Interest in biomedical research
• Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary and international team
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1.5 year.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth 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, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

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