Project information
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. In many cancers, surgery, where the surgeon removes malignant tissue, plays a pivotal role. A significant development in surgical procedures is tracking surgical instruments in conjunction with preoperative MRI/CT imaging to guide the procedure, ensuring more accurate, safer, and less invasive procedures.
This project will develop novel deep learning-based image-guided surgery techniques for surgical procedures in the abdomen. In this region, interoperative motility, proximity to major vessels, and critical structures like nerves are important considerations for using image-guided techniques. Accurate localization of the major vessels, both preoperative and interoperative imaging, is vital to enable image-guided surgeries. Using our extensive dataset, you will develop models for accurate segmentation of the major vessels, ensuring precise geometrical results through the use and development of state-of-the-art geometric deep learning techniques. Since your models will be used directly during image-guided surgeries, (almost) real-time registration of preoperative imaging with three-dimensional interoperative imaging is vital. As such, accurate and fast mapping is of primary importance for these novel deep learning-based image-guided surgeries.
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be responsible for developing state-of-the-art deep learning techniques for image-guided surgery in several medical imaging modalities while keeping the clinical translation and implementation explicitly in mind. 
You will be embedded in the Image Guided Surgery group at The Netherlands Cancer Institute 
of Prof. dr. Theo Ruers. This group aims to develop and implement novel image-guided surgery procedures to improve surgical precision and patient outcome. The project collaborates with the AI for Oncology Lab (led by Dr. Jonas Teuwen) at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, whose mission is to develop artificial intelligence innovations to improve diagnosis and therapy of cancer in close collaboration with other departments at our institute and beyond. As such, you will spend your time in both research groups. 
You will discuss your work results in this multidisciplinary team and publish your work in medical image analysis and surgical journals. The ambition to (co-)write and grants and valorize research is highly valued. 

We are looking for a motivated, goal-oriented, independent, and proactive postdoctoral researcher enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary setting. You will develop novel deep learning algorithms and shape the research in collaboration with the project leaders, AI, and surgical experts.
Preferably you have a PhD degree in medical image analysis or artificial intelligence or equivalent by experience. In any case, you should have experience with the deep learning models to be used in this project, have excellent programming skills and have a keen interest in valorizing your research.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

Your temporarily appointment will be initially for 3 years. The gross salary for a fulltime appointment will range from € 3.447,- to € 4.077,- per month, depending on previous experience. The terms of employment will be in accordance with FWG 55 of the CAO Ziekenhuizen (Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals).
In addition you will receive a fixed end-of-year bonus in December (8,33%) and in May you will receive 8,33% holiday pay. For more information in regard to the secondary conditions please visit our website: https://www.nki.nl/careers-study/how-to-apply.

Netherlands Cancer Institute

The Netherlands Cancer Institute, founded in 1913, is among the top 10 comprehensive cancer centers, combining world-class fundamental, translational, and clinical research with dedicated patient care. Our initiatives to promote excellent translational research have been recognized by the European Academy of Cancer Sciences, when they designated us ‘Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence in Translational Research’.