In this project on Smart, adaptive precision MRI protocols we want to tune acquisition settings to best image the pathological tissue of the current patient based on a fast acquisition of quantitative parameters. As a PhD student, you will develop advanced image analysis and machine learning techniques to adapt the MRI protocols to obtain as quickly as possible the desired clinically useful diagnostic information.

This is a challenging and multidisciplinary project, with the aim to translate and combine findings from fundamental research and advanced imaging techniques, into clinically applicable and highly relevant diagnostic tools. This project is part of a new ambitious Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI lab) within the national ROBUST consortium that is funded by the Dutch Research Council and industry. ROBUST focuses primarily on the development of trustworthy AI technology for the resolution of socially relevant issues, such as those in healthcare, logistics, media, food and energy. Our ICAI lab Trustworthy AI for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, consists of 5 PhD projects that focus on the development and validation of novel AI assisted MRI acquisition and reconstruction methods, and the translation of these to clinic. There will be strong collaboration with the other PhD students in the ICAI lab.

• You should be an independent and highly motivated researcher with an MSc or MEng degree in a technical domain (e.g. Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Informatics, Biomedical Technology).
• Affinity for or experience with MR image acquisition, machine learning, image processing and/or programming is highly valued.
• You should be able to communicate and work with clinicians as well as researchers from various fields.

As part of the collaboration in this project research visits to GE Healthcare (Munich, Germany) are envisioned.

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.789,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.536,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• A 4% Collective Labour Agreement payraise starting November 2023.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

Erasmus MC

As PhD student you will be employed in the department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam. The research will be in collaboration with the Erasmus University Rotterdam and the industrial sponsor and collaborator GE Healthcare. The department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine of the Erasmus MC is one of the largest imaging departments in Europe with 10 clinical MRI scanners at several field strengths and 1 PET-MRI scanner. The department has an international character with a good balance between internationally recognised, high-end research and an excellent social working environment. The PhD student will be embedded in the MR physics group and in the Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam (BIGR), which is a large group of researchers with technical background developing novel image analysis, reconstruction, and AI methods. Additionally, you will collaborate with scientists of GE Healthcare, with an opportunity to work at one of their research facilities for some time if and when appropriate. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, belief, culture, place of birth or occupational impairment when recruiting and selecting staff and students.

The supervision for the projects will be provided by Prof. dr Juan A. Hernandez-Tamames and Dr.ir. Dirk H.J. Poot in collaboration with GE Healthcare.