Artificial intelligence (AI) concepts are propelling nearly all computer vision-intensive applications in life science, biomedical research, space exploration, high-tech manufacturing, and security technology. Modern neural networks are trained to perform a specialized task using very large sets of data. The feature of adapting to data by extracting the essential information and using it to form decisions or make predictions in a “black box” is what makes this approach so powerful for many applications. For scientific applications, however, this black box causes a serious dilemma: what is gained in performance is lost in interpretability of the solution. Also lost is the ability to integrate existing physical knowledge of the system. The aim of the IRIS and CHEME lab is to open the black box of AI and develop methodologies for context-independent, knowledge-based learning of imaging systems that will address fundamental challenges in all quantitative imaging applications. Physics prior and interpretability will be emphasized in our AI methodology development. The proposed AI-technology will be applied to electron, optical, and ultrasound imaging to unravel dynamic molecular processes in living organisms: conformational ensembles of proteins, single-molecule dynamics in thick tissue and super-resolved vasculature mapping in real-time. Within IRIS, you will pursue fundamental advances at the interface of AI, ultrasound imaging and bioengineering to visualize cellular processes deep within living organisms.

• A master’s degree or equivalent in (bio)physics, applied mathematics, computer science or similar.
• Experience in programming.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (verbal and written) in English
• Demonstrated ability to apply creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to produce innovative concepts and solutions.
• Prior experience in artificial intelligence/machine learning and affinity with Python is a strong plus.
• Wide-ranging interdisciplinary interests, affinity for biophysical methods and numerical data analysis and intellectual curiosity for biology and the life sciences.
• An affinity and passion for teaching and guiding students.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 3.5 years.

TU Delft offers DAI-Lab PhD-candidates a 5-year contract (as opposed to the normal 4-years), with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Approximately a fifth of your time will be allocated to developing groundbreaking learning materials and educating students in these new subjects.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.