PhD on Novel Ultrasound Transducers and Imaging Techniques

Are you inspired by health care challenges? Are you eager to work on new, cutting-edge, technological developments in the area of medical ultrasound, and bring them to the clinic? Are you our next PhD-candidate in novel and advanced 3-D imaging for interventional cardiac procedures?

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Biomedical Engineering

Reference number

V50.6477

Tricuspid valve regurgitation affects 3 times the number of TAVR patients but > 90% remain untreated due to limitations and complexity of imaging. Intracardiac Echography (ICE) promises to enable tricuspid valve therapy by providing so far unattainable imaging insights of the complex 3D shape of the valve. However, adoption of 3D ICE is limited by complexity of catheter manipulations and steep learning curves. A localization solution for the ICE transducer enables navigation support for device manipulations and can help to propose automatic procedure relevant 3D or pseudo 3D (MPR) views based on anatomy context. It will facilitate a single-operator use of 3D ICE; reducing procedure time and removing adoption barriers.

We are looking for a solution that uses X-ray fluoroscopy as a main source of information to determine the 3D pose of an ICE catheter by analysis of the unique footprint on X-ray fluoroscopy. Other available (imaging) information from alternative modalities may be used to get an accurate estimation of all 6 degrees of freedom with the required performance (i.e. accuracy, robustness, real-time). Furthermore, we expect a proposal for ICE catheter design modification options to support image-based localization (e.g. X-ray opaque fiducial markers / patterns) for future iterations of an ICE catheter, with recommendations based on restrictions of the catheter real estate, costs and complexity. Finally, we would like to explore alternative Ultrasound-based localization options for future next-gen imaging solutions.

You will be embedded in the Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e) research group, under the supervision of dr. ir. Richard Lopata. The PULS/e group consists of a multi-disciplinary and international team of researchers that work on novel imaging US techniques, photoacoustics, image reconstruction, functional imaging, and model-based image analysis. Within this project you will be closely collaborating with and under supervision of Philips Healthcare.

Next to the research described above, you will supervise MSc / BSc students that will work on projects within the scope of your own.

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering or Physics
• Affinity with (medical) ultrasound, or a comparable domain, or high-frequent electronics.
• Experience with image processing, programming (and imaging physics).
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Good presentation skills, required to present your work for a scientific audience.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2.541,- max. € 3.247,-).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view this video .

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Richard Lopata, Associate Professor, r.lopata[at]tue.nl
or +31 40 247 4878.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Sascha Sanchez, HR advisor, s.j.m.g.sanchez.van.oort[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 7310.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.