Cancer continues to be a major public health and economic burden, with 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020. As the global population ages, the incidence and mortality from cancer are expected to rise by 47% to 28.4 million new cases by 2040. Medical imaging, including CT and MRI scans, is critical in the management of nearly all types of cancer. These technologies are integral from the initial detection and diagnosis to staging, treatment planning, monitoring responses, and long-term follow-up. There is a significant opportunity to enhance these processes through Artificial Intelligence (AI), which promises to improve both the efficiency and quality of image-based medical diagnostics. Do you want to contribute to this PhD project?

The goal of this PhD project is to develop an AI-based model for automatic detection and precise segmentation of metastasis in CT images. To achieve this, the project will leverage multi-modal AI technologies, integrating a diverse array of data sources, including radiological text data, primary tumor locations, and essential clinical patient information, such as age and tumor markers. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the fields of radiology and AI research, ensuring you receive expert guidance from leading scientists in both disciplines. Moreover, due to our integration with the Department of Imaging, you will have access to an extensive collection of annotated CT scans and radiological reports, providing a rich dataset for research.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct research in the development of multi-modal AI for metastatic cancer.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate cutting-edge technology into clinical practice.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the development of the lab's research direction.

We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic researcher with an MSc degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or a similar field. You should have a clear interest to develop artificial intelligence algorithms, additionally you need to have an affinity with healthcare.

You also have expertise in software development, preferably in Python. Experience with deep learning, machine learning, and image analysis or time series analysis is a plus. Lastly, you have good communication skills and you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% vacation allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• Plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. For example, you can follow various courses via our online learning environment. A lot of attention will also be paid to your wellbeing and vitality. For instance, you can take advantage of:
  
  • a 40% discount on gym membership at the Radboud Sports Center.
  • the Company Support Team and a personal coach if you experience a life-changing event.
  • a financially favorable option to work less through a generation scheme if you are approaching state retirement age.
  • support with achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have any questions about combining your work and caregiving tasks at home.
• 168 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. Want more vacation? You can buy additional vacation hours with your end-of-year bonus.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, of which 9 weeks are paid.
• Extra-favorable leave conditions. For example, our short-term caregiving leave is not 2 but 4 weeks per year and even 12 weeks per year for partner and child.
• Pension accrual with the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension contribution.
• Discount on the supplementary packages of two collective health insurance policies and on ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• A travel allowance via our Employment Conditions Selection Model and a working-from-home allowance of €2,35 per day.

Radboudumc

You will work in the Diagnostic Image Analysis Group (DIAG). DIAG is part of the Departments of Imaging, Pathology, Ophthalmology, and Radiation Oncology of Radboud University Medical Center. We develop computer algorithms to interpret and process medical images. The group currently consists of around 70 researchers. Radboud University Medical Center and Radboud University are located in Nijmegen, the oldest Dutch city with a rich history and one of the liveliest city centers in the Netherlands. Radboud University has over 17,000 students. Radboudumc is a leading academic center for medical science, education and health care with over 8,500 staff and 3,000 students.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then send an email to dr. Alessa Hering, senior researcher. Use the Apply button to submit your application.