Lapvas-Imaging is a platform technology that enables the real-time visualization of perfusion. Recently, it has been applied in colon resections as a first-in-human laparoscopic perfusion measurement using laser speckle imaging. However, the clinical applications span much wider than solely colon resections. We are looking for a PhD candidate who will be exploring new clinical applications for Lapvas-Imaging. You will be working in close co-operation with the Lapvas-Imaging development team/co-production towards product development in order to expand the clinical applications. These studies contribute to prevention of unwanted medical complications and reduction of healthcare costs.

We are looking for candidates that are looking for a PhD position which includes working at both the industry and academia side of research and development. Candidates preferably have a Master degree in Biomedical Engineering, technical medicine or similar engineering degree with an affinity for the development of a high-tech medical device and running clinical trials. The candidate must speak Dutch and good verbal and write communication skills in English are mandatory.

Scope of the research
You will be introducing new innovative technologies into clinical practice and perform (pre-)clinical studies. The aim of this research project is to study the reduction of anastomotic leakage in colon surgery and esophageal resections. Furthermore, we want to explore the possibilities in other fields of surgery.

Responsibilities and tasks therefore include:

- preparation and conduction of clinical trials
- strong contribution to product development in R&D team towards next steps of Lapvas-Imaging.
- performing analysis of the acquired data
- preparation of scientific articles and conference contributions/ participating in scientific conferences.

- highly developed conceptual capacity and analytical skills
- very good record of undergraduate and graduate studies
- very good individual and collaborative working skills
- presenting, planning and organizational skills
- strong motivation to complete a PhD dissertation in four years
- research experience is an asset
- very good command of spoken and written English.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary of € 2,434 gross per month in the first year to a maximum of € 3,111 gross per month in the final year (salary scale Dutch Universities), based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE)
- a 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end of the year bonus.

The position is offered for four years. A successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected.

A PhD training program is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty. As part of the program, the PhD researcher will take part in the Career Perspectives Series, which provides a thorough preparation on the career after the PhD, inside or outside academia. During the course of the doctorate, the PhD researcher will develop research and teaching competencies as well as leadership skills. For this, the PhD researcher will receive a tailor-made programme from the GSCF.

Campus Fryslân

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 31,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Campus Fryslân is the ambitious eleventh and newest faculty of the University of Groningen, located in Leeuwarden. Campus Fryslân is an interdisciplinary faculty that works closely together with regional, national and international partners on worldwide (sustainability) challenges and local solutions. The sustainable development goals of the United Nations thus serve as an important guideline.

We offer challenging Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree programs. The research institute covers four research domains: Governance, Sustainable Economy, Culture, Language & Technology and Health & Food. In the summer of 2019, Campus Fryslân has moved to the new faculty building De Beurs: the first all-electric, monumental educational building in the Netherlands.
This PhD position is a collaboration with LIMIS Development BV. This project is carried out in collaboration with the Medical Center Leeuwarden, UMCG and ZiuZ Visual intelligence. LIMIS is a high-tech medical startup based in MCL that leads the development of Lapvas-Imaging. LIMIS develops innovative solutions for laparoscopic surgery and introduces them into clinical practice.

See also https://www.limis.org/ and https://www.rug.nl/cf/