PhD candidates in Compressive Ultrasound Imaging

Three-dimensional ultrasound is a very powerful imaging technique, but it requires transducers that accommodate thousands of sensors and complex hardware which restricts its use to specialized clinical applications in developed countries. Manufacturing this type of transducers is complex and very costly. In this project we propose a novel approach that can overcome this limitation and make 3D imaging simply available to any application by making use of a technique called compressive sensing. The main technological idea behind this exciting project is that a simple plastic coding mask is already enough to compress the 3D information in such a way that you need far less sensors. This concept can be applied to extend the imaging capabilities of commercial ultrasound probes from 2D to 3D, but also opens up the possibility for a new type of wearable imaging device for long time monitoring/imaging of various organs such as the brain or the carotid artery. In this project we want to take this concept to a new level that will enable simple 3D ultrasound for a wide range of applications.

For this multidisciplinary research project we are seeking three enthusiastic candidate PhD-students (two at Erasmus MC, one at TU Delft) to take this exciting project from a new idea to actual reality.

Ph.D. 1: The first Ph.D. student will work on compressive imaging devices that can be used to image the human carotid artery for diagnostic purposes. The research will specifically focus on: 1) 3D ultrasound imaging of atherosclerotic plaques using a regular probe and coding mask, 2) long-term monitoring of the pulse-wave velocity and other cardiovascular parameters inside the carotid artery. This work will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Hans Bosch at the Thoraxcenter Biomedical Engineering Department at Erasmus MC.

Ph.D. 2: The second Ph.D. student will apply this compressive imaging technique to visualize brain activity in small rodents. The student will work in close collaboration with neuroscientists that will use this technique to better understand the brain. The study also includes the development of new methods to image through the skull using ultrasound. This work will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Pieter Kruizinga at the Department of Neuroscience at Erasmus MC.

Ph.D. 3: The third Ph.D. student will focus his/her research on laying the theoretical foundations for spatial compression of acoustic waves and will develop algorithms that can be used to reconstruct images from compressed ultrasound data. This work will be carried out in the Circuits and Systems group of the Delft University of Technology, in Delft, The Netherlands under the supervision of Prof. Geert Leus.

We are looking for enthusiastic Ph.D. students that meet the following requirements:

• MSc in a relevant area (Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, BiomedicalEengineering); experience in ultrasound imaging, image processing or signal processing is highly welcome;
• Experience with programming (Matlab, Python, C++,);
• Creative, pro-active with good analytical skills;
• Able to combine creativity with a sound academic attitude;
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking;
• Good team-players and able to work in a collaborative environment with the other two Ph.D. students and supporting institutions.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct, a valid proof of identity, diploma's and/ or relevant registration such as BIG/ RGS are conditions for the appointment.

You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.357 ,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.020,- in the 4th year (scale OIO). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC stands for a healthy population and excellence in healthcare. By conducting groundbreaking work, we aim to push boundaries through leading the way in research, education and healthcare. We have access to the latest equipment and techniques in a state-of-the-art environment.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (Thorax Center) is a group of 50 researchers performing highly innovative research in cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. We focus on translational research in ultrasound imaging and image processing, ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging and drug delivery, intravascular techniques and hemodynamics. The Biomedical Engineering Department is composed of engineers, biologists and clinicians, closely collaborating on cutting-edge cardiovascular research. Its vibrant working environment attracts highly motivated researchers from all over the world.

The Department of Neuroscience is one of the largest and most prominent neuroscience research groups in the world. The research is focused on three pillars: Sensory Systems, Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, and Motor Systems. In all groups, integrated and translational approaches are applied, approaching neuroscientific questions at genetic, molecular, cellular and systems level in animal models and human patients. In addition, there is a strong focus on the development of new experimental techniques such as functional ultrasound imaging as well as on the integration of knowledge using state-of-the-art modelling approaches. The Department of Neuroscience hosts more than 100 people and publishes regularly in high-impact journals