PhD position in Biomedical Optics

For this project, we will develop a new optical endoscopic technique. As a PhD students you will work on fiber-optic system development, novel catheter designs, data processing algorithms, and modelling of scattering and polarization properties of tissue, with the goal of bringing a new technology into the hospital. The research will be conducted at the VU University in Amsterdam. The candidate will be part of the PhD program of the Biophotonics & Medical Imaging section under the Physics and Astronomy Department at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. J.F. de Boer, an internationally recognised leader in the field of Biophotonics (www.deboer.one).

For this position, we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a master's or equivalent degree in (applied) physics, with a strong interest in biomedical optics. Candidates should be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing, have a good knowledge of optics and a solid background in physics and excellent experimental and analytical skills. The project’s results will be presented at national and international medical and technical conferences and in relevant journals. The successful candidate is expected to write a dissertation leading to a PhD degree towards the end of the 4-year project.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Project description

Optical techniques provide much higher resolution than imaging techniques currently used in hospitals such as PET and CT/MRI. To improve the ability to diagnose diseases such as esophageal cancer and lung cancer, you will develop an endoscopic technique, Immuno-OCT, with a 10 to hundred fold better resolution than currently available. Immuno-OCT combines Optical Coherence Tomography (the optical analogue of Ultrasound) with simultaneous detection of fluorescence by labelled molecules. In addition, we analyse the polarization changes of light due to fibrous structures to visualize muscle fibers and fibrosis. The goal is implementation of these techniques in clinical studies in collaboration with our clinical parters.

The work includes the development of advanced Optical Coherence Tomography systems and fluorescence detection methods, the design and testing of tiny catheters, and the development of image processing methods based on the physical principles of light scattering and polarization. You will be part of a team of at least 3 PhD students working on different aspects of the project.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.