The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking two ambitious PhD candidates for the development of a new photoacoustic (PA) system for non-invasive PA imaging of plaques in the carotid artery and assessment of their morphology and vulnerability.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering. There is an endless demand in modern healthcare for technologies to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health problems. To meet this demand, TU/e has a strong focus on Health in its research and education programs and has a department devoted entirely to this socially vital area: Biomedical Engineering. Biomedical engineers improve human health by cross-disciplinary activities that integrate the engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences and clinical practice.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering presently consists of thirteen research groups, organized in 3 clusters and covers everything from regenerative engineering to biomedical image analysis to biomolecular engineering. With 58 (assistant, associate and full) professors, over 100 researchers and postdocs, 158 PhD candidates and circa 950 bachelor and master students, the Department of Biomedical Engineering provides high-quality academic education and cutting-edge research.

See here for more information about the department, and here or more information about the current research programs.

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is ranked as one of the most innovative universities located in the heart of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, the Brainport region. The unique positioning in one of Europe's leading tech regions also means excellent job opportunities for spouses. TU/e actively facilitates career opportunities for partners of successful candidates. Eindhoven is the fifth largest city in the Netherlands, and including suburbs, it has about 420,000 inhabitants.  Our training and research programs are highly regarded, and we foster close relationships with companies, organizations, and research institutes in the Brainport region and beyond.  Fundamental and applied research are equally valued here.  The high rank of the TU/e is due to the impact of its scientific research and also to its scientific co-­publications with industry.  TU/e is a social and inspiring university with a vibrant culture.  Surrounded by people who share your scientific ambitions, we translate our basic research into meaningful solutions. The TU/e currently has nine departments, with over 11,000 students in total.

TU/e aims to increase diversity among its employees and encourages applications from under-represented groups; in particular, female scientists are encouraged to apply.

Job description

The candidate will work on the development of a new photoacoustic imaging system for imaging of atherosclerotic plaques, using advanced optical and acoustic hardware, building new algorithms for image formation (beamforming, clutter reduction, fluency correction), and multispectral plaque imaging (incl. spectral unmixing), and perform experimental verification and testing in mock circulation setups on excised plaque samples.

The successful candidates will build on pre-established knowledge on transducer technology, photoacoustics, and signal analysis to further develop new methodological approaches towards in vivo imaging of plaques, currently sparsely available in the field. The PhD candidates are expected to do scientific research in the field described above, write a doctoral thesis and publish research results in scientific journals. An educational and professional development program is offered to all PhD candidates. A small part of the position involves teaching in courses offered by the group as well as to contribute to the co-supervision of bachelor and master students.

What we are looking for: We are accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who are interested in a dynamic, stimulating and ambitious environment to perform their research. We are looking for candidates that meet the following requirements:

• The candidate should have a background in Electrical Engineering, (Bio)Medical Engineering, (Bio or Applied) Physics, (bio)Mechanical Engineering (or an equivalent one) and have previous experience with (photoacoustic) imaging, biomedical signal analysis (or similar). Basic/advanced knowledge of optics, signal processing and/or previous experience with (photo)acoustic hardware will be considered as a relevant added values.
• The candidate is expected to have conspicuous previous experience with computer programming (e.g. Matlab or Fortran or C/C++ or similar) in order to be able to work on signal processing, image formation and hardware driving.
• The candidate should be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas, foster collaborations and have a capability for independent thinking.
• Moreover, the candidate should be able to work independently within a dynamic team and be proficient in written and spoken English.
   
  The position will be based at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands. The research will be mainly conducted within the Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Lab Eindhoven (PULS/e), part of the Cardiovascular Biomechanics (CVBM) group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. ir. M. Wu and Dr. ir. R.G.P. Lopata, who heads the PULS/e lab, by prof. dr. M.R.H.M. van Sambeek (vascular surgeon at the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven and part-time professor at TU/E) , and prof. dr. ir. F.N. van de Vosse (head of CVBM).
  Dr. ir. R.G.P. Lopata's PULS/e lab concentrates on Medical Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging, and Image-based patient-specific modeling, aimed at providing clinicians with clinical decision support in daily clinical practice. Application areas involve cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, abdominal aortic aneurysms, atherosclerotic plaques), musculoskeletal applications (muscle disease), and skin disease. The group houses two laboratories for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging, and has a large Biomechanics facility available for ex vivo testing and verification of new imaging and modeling techniques.  
   
   

What we offer: We offer two PhD positions in a successful and internationally-oriented department.

• The appointment will be on a full-time basis for a period of four years with a yearly evaluation.
• Support with your personal development and career planning including courses by offering every PhD student a series of courses in the PROOF program as an addition to your scientific education.
• Gross monthly salaries are by the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU):
• 1st year € 2,325 per month based on 1.0 FTE (scale P-0)
• 2nd year € 2,709 per month based on 1.0 FTE
• 3rd year € 2,835 per month based on 1.0 FTE
• 4th year € 2,972 per month based on 1.0 FTE

• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including a yearly holiday allowance of 8% of the annual salary and a yearly end-of-year bonus of 8.3% of the annual salary. Family friendly initiatives are in place such as partially paid parental leave, on-campus children day care and excellent on-campus sports facilities. In addition we offer a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions and the possibility to participate in a collective health care plan and other benefits such as support in moving expenses, commuting expenses, savings schemes.
   
  The city of Eindhoven offers a relaxed, multicultural environment, high quality of life and many options for extra-curricular activities. The city has a mild climate, and it is well-connected by rail, air, and road links with major European cities. The city is at the heart of the Brainport region of Netherlands, a region with high growth, high innovation, and many permanent employment opportunities for expats. Candidates moving to the Netherlands from abroad may qualify for a tax incentive scheme, where 30% of your income is tax free for a (maximum) period of five years. Click here for more information.