PhD image-based machine learning models in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide with a poor prognosis, with 572.000 new patients and 508.600 esophageal cancer related death worldwide per year. Chemoradiotherapy (carboplatin, paclitaxel, and concurrent 41.4 Gy radiotherapy) for esophageal cancer followed by surgery is currently regarded as a standard of care in clinical practice in the Netherlands. A significant proportion of patients have a pathological complete response(pCR) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT). However, pre-operative determination via endoscopies and imaging remains unreliable for patient selection. The objective of this study is to develop an image-based machine learning prediction model to assess pathologic response (treatment effect) to nCRT in esophageal cancer, by evaluating 18F-FDG PET/CT and DW-MRI / DCE-MRI scans prior, during and after nCRT, compared to the histopathological assessment of the resection specimen.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

As a PhD candidate within the AIFORCE project, you will contribute to groundbreaking research on response prediction in esophageal cancer patients using an image-based machine learning prediction model. Specifically, you will be involved in:

• Developing an image-based machine learning prediction model;
• Processing imaging data (18F-FDG PET/CT and DW-MRI / DCE-MRI scans);
• Validating the accuracy and reliability of the prediction model;
• Optimizing and validating the machine learning model, including validating model performance with clinical data and external datasets;
• Evaluating the clinical applicability of the model and determining its effectiveness in patient selection for surgery;
• Investigating how the model can be integrated into clinical practice.

We are looking for a dedicated researcher who works accurately and in a structured manner. You have strong communication and organizational skills and enjoy collaborating with different teams.

• You have a completed master’s degree in technical medicine, biomedical engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field, with an affinity for hospital environments;
• You have knowledge of medical terminology and handle confidential patient information with integrity;
• You have excellent proficiency in English, both in writing and presenting. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research;
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare;
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world;
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV;
• A contract for 12 months (with the intention of extension to a full PhD trajectory);
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.017 to € 3.824 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here;
• Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours;
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension;
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way;
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

The project supervisors are Dr. Suzanne Gisbertz, Prof. Dr. Henk Marquering, and Prof. Dr. Jaap Stoker.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.