As a postdoctoral researcher in the department of Radiology you will develop, validate and apply new MRI approaches, both in healthy subjects as well as in patients. You will be combining physics-based and AI-based reconstruction approaches and acceleration techniques, leveraging the characteristics of the ultra low-field scanner. The focus is on trustworthy image reconstruction, and not so much on AI network design. Evaluation within the clinical context will prove the added value of the taken approach.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a widespread medical imaging modality, and a key instrument for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up. However, its use is at the moment mainly at the end of the diagnostic workup and performed in the high-tech environment of Radiology departments in hospitals. We aim to improve accessibility of MRI by making it light and small footprint, using an ultra low-field permanent magnet design. This would allow the use of MRI in local centers close to the general practitioner, sport facilities, or even at home, making MRI available to a large fraction of the world population. To advance towards this highly ambitious goal, the objectives of the NextMRI project include physics-based image reconstruction, accelerated scanning, and image analysis in the context of extremity and brain applications. New AI-based developments are expected to benefit the project.

·         A PhD degree in MR physics, ideally related to MR reconstruction.

·         Enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent team spirit.

·         Affinity with AI and experience with Python and deep learning libraries are advantageous.

·         A high degree of independence and resourcefulness to excel in a multidisciplinary team.

·         Excellent communication and scientific writing skills

Fixed-term contract: • You will be given an employment contract for the duration of the program with a maximum of three years.

•    As a postdoc researcher your salary will at minimum be € 3,359 and € 5,292 at most (scale 10, CAO UMC). These figures are based on full-time employment.

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

Department of Radiology

Your daily working place will be within the Division of Image Processing (LKEB) as well as the C.J. Gorter MRI Center, both at the Department of Radiology. At LKEB we perform fundamental and applied research in the area of biomedical image processing and analysis, and have a track record in AI-based reconstruction techniques for clinical field-strength MRI. In the Gorter Center, we develop new MRI techniques (both hardware and software) and apply them in medical research. People with diverse backgrounds work at the Gorter Center, that is to say, researchers with e.g. technical, medical, psychological and neuroscience backgrounds. Both groups are characterized by an open atmosphere, good cooperation, many employees from abroad, and a focus on national and international collaboration. The NextMRI project is a collaboration with groups from Valencia, Spain as well as the Bergman Clinic.