PhD Position for Uncertainty-aware AI-based Predictive Model for Treatment Decision Making

Are you looking for a PhD position where you can combine insights from machine learning and medical image analysis? Are you interested in improving and better understanding artificial intelligence systems for clinical applications? The Quantitative Healthcare Analysis (qurAI) group is seeking a PhD candidate to dive into these kind of research.

We are looking for a PhD candidate in the field of machine learning and medical image analysis, in a project that will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Philipp Berens’ research lab at the University of Tübingen. The main goal of the project is to advance performance on medical imaging semantic segmentation techniques by producing clinically plausible solutions; and, consequently, develop uncertainty-aware predictive models for treatment decision making in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. This PhD position is funded by the Amsterdam Unit of ELLIS (the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems).

What are you going to do

As part of your PhD, you will develop new deep learning solutions for the analysis of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for treatment decision making. Specifically, you will address the challenges of creating uncertainty-aware decision-making algorithms based on clinically plausible semantic segmentation of OCT scans. You will be embedded in the qurAI group, an interfaculty, multidisciplinary group between the Institute of Informatics of the University of Amsterdam and the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics of the Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC). We focus on the development, validation and clinical integration of AI solutions for data analysis challenges in healthcare. The group aims at designing and enabling socially responsible AI innovations in healthcare. You will work under the supervision of Prof. Clarisa Sánchez from the qurAI, who will also serve as your promotor. You will also work in close collaboration with dr. Erik Bekkers, from the Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLAB) at University of Amsterdam, as well as Prof. Philipp Berens at the University of Tübingen.

You are expected to:

• complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• publish and present your work in journals and international conferences;
• be an active part of the qurAI group and their activities;
• assist in educational activities and supervision of bachelor and master students.

While you will be based in Amsterdam, you will be required to spend some time in Tübingen (a total of 12 months over the four year PhD trajectory).

What do you have to offer

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Engineering or a related subject;
• previously demonstrated interest in machine learning, deep learning and medical image analysis, in the form of coursework, projects and academic publications, and an affinity with medical topics;
• good programming skills, particularly in Python and ML-related libraries;
• high motivation in pursuing academic research;
• fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,541 to € 3,247 (scale P). This does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate (Promovendus) is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January.
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre.
• A complete educational program for PhD students.
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff.
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses.
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary.
• Partly paid parental leave.
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home.
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution.
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The Quantitative Healthcare Analysis (qurAI) is an interfaculty group embedded in the Faculties of Medicine (Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics - BMEP) and Science (Institute of Informatics -IvI) of the University of Amsterdam, with strong ties with clinical department at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMCs) as well as close collaborations with parties as the Netherlands Cancer Institute. In qurAI we focus on the development and clinical implementation of socially responsible AI innovations in healthcare, so as to become an indispensable part of the Amsterdam ecosystem in the field of AI and healthcare.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 31 July 2022.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file ):

• A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• A letter of motivation.

Please use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file .

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of 10 days after closing date.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.