[visionlist] Medical image analysis PhD position on Quantitative in-vivo characterization of optical properties of ocular tissue for diagnosis and monitoring of chorioretinal diseases

[Koen Vermeer]

2013-012 - Fully-funded medical image analysis PhD student position: 
Quantitative in-vivo characterization of optical properties of ocular tissue for diagnosis and monitoring of chorioretinal diseases 

 
Project description 

Current clinical ophthalmic practice focuses on assessing the (chorio)retinal condition based on various imaging techniques that are incapable of quantitatively determining the state of the retina. In this project, we will develop techniques to quantitatively assess various optical properties of the retina and its separate layers, thereby providing information about the health status of the retina. These properties are the attenuation coefficient, polarization properties and the spectral signature of the retina. They will be correlated to diagnostic criteria to provide new means for improving clinical care in ophthalmology. The project includes building prototype implementations and performing several pilot studies to assess the usefulness of each technique and optical property for various diseases of the retina. Two PhD student will be recruited: One for the development of optical setups, and one for the development of image analysis methods. 

At the Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute (R.O.I.) we have a vacancy for a research position on ophthalmic image analysis for this project. Algorithms for quantitative analysis of ophthalmic images will be developed and evaluated. This project, funded by a TOP ZonMw grant, is an initiative of the R.O.I., in collaboration with the VU University Amsterdam (Biomedical Physics group) and Delft University of Technology (Quantitative Imaging group). The R.O.I. is the scientific institute of the Rotterdam Eye Hospital (REH) which was founded in 1874. With 13.500 operating room visits, 140.000 out-patient visits and a staff of 350 employees the hospital is devoted to providing patients with high quality care.

Candidate 

For this position we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a masters or equivalent degree in physics, mathematics, electronics or a related field, with a strong interest in medical image analysis. Candidates should have good programming skills (Matlab / C++) and be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing. The project’s results will be presented on national and international medical and technical conferences and in relevant journals. The successful candidate is expected to write a dissertation leading to a PhD degree towards the end of the 4-year project.

Conditions of employment 

The project lasts for four years. The successful applicant will be appointed for 36 hours per week at the R.O.I. for one year initially, which will be extended by another three years subject to a positive evaluation. The salary will be € 2142,- in the first year, increasing to € 2758,- in the last year, excluding end-of-year and holiday allowances, in accordance with the CBA’s of the Dutch University Medical Centers. 

Locations 

The research will be conducted both at the Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute and at Delft University of Technology, which are situated within just 15 km. In Rotterdam, the candidate will work as part of the Imaging group under supervision of dr. ir. K.A. Vermeer and interact with technical and medical specialists from the institute and from the Rotterdam Eye Hospital. In Delft, the candidate will be part of the PhD program of the Quantitative Imaging group under supervision of prof.dr.ir. L.J. van Vliet. Being based at these two locations provides access to medical and technical expertise and experience and guarantees a work environment that is both challenging and motivating. This interdisciplinary research environment provides a unique opportunity to work with both medical and technical specialists on clinically highly relevant topics.

Applications and additional information 

This position is available immediately and is open until filled. Applications, including a letter of motivation, a detailed CV with two or three references (including full address, phone number and email address), a list of grades, TOEFL and/or IETLS scores (if available) and a sample of a written report in English, should be sent to Koen Vermeer (k.vermeer at eyehospital.nl). For more information about this position, please contact Koen Vermeer by e-mail or by phone (+31-650503833).



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