PhD Position in Computational Optical Techniques for Imaging the Retina

13 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Are you seeking an exciting PhD position in a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research field? Do you possess a keen interest in optics, numerical techniques, and biomedicine? If so, we invite you to join our international research group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Our focus lies in computational imaging with applications to biomedicine. Through the integration of advanced numerical methods with tailored optical imaging systems, we can achieve superior and more cost-effective imaging, along with innovative contrast mechanisms. One remarkable example of this is holographic optical coherence tomography (OCT), which harnesses computational adaptive optics and phase-sensitive contrast to visualize the function of individual photoreceptors, as well as the collective signals of neuronal layers within the living human eye.

As part of this project, we aim to enhance an experimental state-of-the-art holographic optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system, enabling us to visualize individual neuronal cells within the retina. This work holds immense potential for unlocking new possibilities in ophthalmology and neurology. To be a part of this research, submit your application to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam today. We offer you the opportunity to work in an inspiring academic environment and to contribute to the frontier of computational imaging in biomedicine.

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to play a key role in the advancement of our imaging system. This role will involve advancing our hardware and processing algorithms to take the system from technical samples to in vivo human data. The research will take place at the VU in Amsterdam.

Your duties

• designing, setting up, and aligning (holographic) imaging systems, particularly for imaging living human eyes
• devising and implementing software and algorithms to facilitate data acquisition, reconstruction, and extraction of functional data
• acquiring and evaluating data to ensure accuracy and reliability

As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to showcase your findings at national and international conferences and contribute to publications in relevant journals. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue your own ideas and directions within the project's framework. The ultimate goal is for the successful candidate to produce a dissertation leading to a PhD degree by the end of the 4-year project.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• a Master's degree or equivalent in (applied) physics, engineering, or a related field, ideally with a background in optics and imaging
• proficiency in numerics and programming, preferably in Python, C/C++, or Matlab, with a strong willingness to further enhance these skills
• an enthusiastic interest in medicine, physiology, and biology, and a keen desire to explore the applications of optics within these domains
• effective communication skills in English, both spoken and written
• a passion for creative work and a willingness to experiment with novel concepts and ideas

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Additional Information
Benefits

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of € 2.770,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.539,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment.
• an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

Additional comments

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application and upload the following content:

• a cover letter (max. 1 page),
• your curriculum vitae,
• recent grades,
• if possible, a sample of a written report in English.

We reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337678/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1081HV

Street

De Boelelaan 1085

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337678/phd-position-in-computational-optica…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.vu.nl/

Street

De Boelelaan 1105

Postal Code

1081 HV

STATUS: EXPIRED