PhD candidate on AI image processing in high frame rate contrast enhanced echocardiography

The Biomedical Engineering Group, within the Department of Cardiology at Erasmus MC, is looking for a passionate PhD candidate to join our team and drive innovation in high frame rate ultrasound blood-flow imaging, to enhance our understanding of heart failure/disease.

We are developing new techniques for imaging blood flow in the heart at 1000s of frames per second, allowing us to see how the heart works in slow-motion. Integrating deep learning (AI) into these new techniques is critical so that they can be used in daily clinical practice, to process and analyze the large amount of acquired data.

In this role, you will develop AI models for automated image segmentation and analysis of high frame rate ultrasound images. Your key responsibilities are:

• Develop cutting-edge machine learning models for automated segmentation, classification and analysis of high frame rate contrast enhanced echocardiography.
• Design and execute experiments to obtain/curate suitable training data for developing machine learning models.
• Assess and validate developed models/algorithms.
• Integrate models into existing ultrasound flow imaging frameworks.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, driving meaningful insights.
• Contribute to scientific reports and publications that shape the future of medical imaging.
• Collaborate closely with clinicians, engineers, and fellow researchers to bring the technique to clinical use.

If you are ready to tackle the challenge of integrating AI into high frame rate echocardiography and make a significant impact on the field of biomedical imaging, we encourage you to apply for this exciting PhD opportunity at Erasmus MC. You have the following qualifications:

• A master's degree in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or related fields.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking.
• A solid foundation in (biomedical) imaging, signal processing, and machine learning.
• Previous experience in ultrasound imaging is advantageous.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python.
• Familiarity with deep learning libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.)
• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective teamwork.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adept at both independent and collaborative work.

Thorax Biomedical Engineering is a group of 70 researchers performing highly innovative research in cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. We focus on translational research in imaging with ultrasound and light, ultrasound contrast agents for molecular imaging and drug delivery, and vascular biomechanics.