PhD position on Advanced Optics and Spectroscopy for daycare Arthroscopic Imaging

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) at the human-tech oriented University of Twente in collaboration with the department of Medical Physics at the Amsterdam University Medical Centre, are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join us for a full-time, fully funded, 4-year project to substantially advance our novel imaging system that combines optical and spectral components. You will be supervised our multidisciplinary research team consisting of authorities in the fields of medical imaging, mechanical engineering, sports medicine, orthopedic surgery and spectroscopy.

The Challenge

Physical mobility is important human life and contributes to one’s health, social interaction, and independence. One of the greatest threats to carefree mobility is osteoarthritis (OA), with over 1.5 million patients in the Netherlands alone suffering disabling pain and functional limitations. This project will focus on cartilage damage in the ankle for which ample evidence exists that it contributes to early onset of OA, however many questions remain unanswered: How is it possible that within a few years, a healthy, sporting teenager, after sustaining a simple ankle sprain, progresses from being the world’s best football player to suffering a permanent work disability due to ankle osteoarthritis (OA)? This case of Marco van Basten continues to inspire physicians and researchers alike. However, 30 years later, we are still unable to identify the young patients at risk for walking the same path. Therefore, early detection of cartilage damage is essential, which is not possible with the conventional MRI or other imaging modalities. That is why in this project we focus on advancing current imaging needle ‘arthroscope’ to form a clinically applicable accurate and reliable diagnostic tool to assess cartilage damage directly after the moment of trauma.

Objective

The PhD’s objective is to advance the functionality of the current imaging needle ‘arthroscope’ by integrating advanced optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques to maximize information retrieval through minimally invasive portals. The PhD will play a role in the technical development of hardware of the diagnostic tool and complementary documentation to allow future clinical investigation, as well in the advancement of processing algorithms to transfer the raw data information to meaningful outcomes for the clinicians. These developments will have an iterative nature with technical and in vivo human samples evaluation to assess the advancements objectively. The research will take place at the University of Twente and Amsterdam UMC.

You are welcome to contact Dr. K. Emanuel ([email protected]), Prof. M. Aalders ([email protected]) or Prof. G. Tuijthof ([email protected]) for any questions you might have.

Please submit your application before Aug 8th 2024 by using the “Apply now” button and include the following documents:

• A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation for this PhD position in our multidisciplinary team.
• A full Curriculum Vitae including your education, publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
• An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.
• A short description of your most recent accomplishment (master’s thesis, final project report, etc.).
• References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (such as the supervisor of your master thesis/final project) who can to provide a recommendation letter at our request.

The first round of interviews will take place on August, 19th, 2024.

Interviews take place in two phases. If selected, there will be a first online interview. A subset of the candidates will be invited for a second interview as well.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.