[visionlist] PhD Student Position

[Kowal, Horst Jens (ARTORG)]

AUTOMATIC MASS DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR OPHTHALMIC DATA

The Ophthalmic Technology Group as part of the ARTORG Center of the University of Bern together with the Bern Photographic Reading Center announce a PhD position for the development of an automatic mass data screening/analysis system for ophthalmic data. The Ophthalmic Technology Group develops innovative surgical as well as diagnostic instruments and techniques in the area of ophthalmology. The Bern Photographic Reading Center (BPRC) has become an internationally renowned center for coordination and independent evaluation of images obtained in clinical multi-center trials. In the frame of large-scale multi center studies for pharmaceutical approval a reading center provides independent and objective evaluation and grading of images. The grading is conducted manually by ophthalmic specialists according to rules defined within the study.
However, the amount of data to be analyzed within the frame of typical approval studies is increasing constantly. This continuous accession of image data available for diagnostic purpose demand sophisticated data processing strategies to help the ophthalmic specialists to focus on potentially pathological structures while screening the huge amount of data. In addition, objective quantification of pathologies is an indispensable tool to diagnose disease progression.

The main objective of this PhD project is the development of a system that allow for a) automatic screening of the image data, b) pre-selection of potentially pathological areas in the data and c) segmentation of the data. Within the project the focus will be on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data sets. OCT is a non-invasive technology used for imaging the layers of the retina. This imaging technology has revolutionized the early detection and also follow-up examination of retinal pathologies such as macular holes, epiretinal gliosis, macular edema and also optic disc pathologies. The introduction of high speed and spectral domain OCT devices allows a faster image acquisition and offers a better image resolution in the daily clinical practice. For this project we are seeking for a highly motivated candidate willing to work in a multidisciplinary environment together with clinicians and scientists. The nature of the project demands image processing background as well as strong programming skills in C++. Additionally some practical back- ground in database handling would be an advantage.

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University of Bern
ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research

Prof Jens Kowal, Ph.D.
Ophthalmic Technologies
Inselspital Bern
Ophthalmology Department