For this project, we are looking for a PhD student who will develop the measurements systems and catheters, develop the advanced processing algorithms for polarization properties, polarization mode dispersion and quantitative fluorescence, be present in the operating room during data acquisition and perform the data analysis of in vivo human data. The research will be conducted at the VU in Amsterdam, with regular visits to the Amsterdam UMC. The candidate will be part of a larger group of PhD students that collaborate closely to reach the final goals of the MEDPHOT program, and are embedded in the Biophotonics research group at the VU under supervision of Prof. Dr. J.F. de Boer.


Your duties

• The PhD student will further develop probes for the lungs, collaborate on the further design and construction of the measurement systems, and develop an excellent understanding of light propagation principles and processing methods to extract tissue information as part of the MEDPHOT program. Using theses skill, we aim to visualize the inner lumen wall structure, amount of muscle mass and fibrosis, and specific uptake of monoclonal antibodies
• The PhD student will assist in clinical pilot studies by performing the data analysis and interpretation

For this position we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate

• with a masters or equivalent degree in (applied) physics or a related field, with a strong interest in biomedical optics
• candidates should have good understanding of optics, have computational skills (Matlab, Labview) and be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. The project’s results will be presented on 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

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

On full-time basis the remuneration amounts a gross monthly salary of €2,395 (PhD) in the first year and increases to €3,061 (PhD) in the fourth year. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for 1 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.
About the department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering (together with University of Twente). Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in valorization of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (on campus) and location AMC), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene.