Job description
Ultrasound and tomosynthesis are the most prevalent modalities used for breast imaging, and each has its specific advantages and disadvantages. Tomosynthesis uses x rays to create a pseudo-3D representation of the breast with high in-plane spatial resolution, but low out-of-plane (depth) resolution. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a cross-sectional image of the tissue and has excellent depth resolution, but limited resolution in directions perpendicular to the transmitted ultrasound lines. We plan to develop a joint system that will use the information from each modality to improve the image quality of the other, yielding not only a multi-modality imaging system, but a joint imaging system. The combination of tomosynthesis and ultrasound into a single joint imaging system will yield improved images from two independent and complementary sources, with inherent spatial correlation, allowing for improved lesion detection, even in dense breasts, and the direct multi-modal assessment of suspicious lesions. For this multi-disciplinary project, we will be working in collaboration with the Medical UltraSound Imaging Center (MUSIC) lab of our Department, who will be developing the ultrasound aspects of this system (see accompanying vacancy).
In this project you will focus on the x-ray related data preprocessing and on the joint reconstruction itself. You will validate these using both digital and physical phantoms, working towards first patient images at the end of the project. All of this will be in collaboration with a PhD student focusing on the ultrasound aspects of the project, and industry partners to facilitate the translation of these methods into clinical evaluation. Tasks will also include presenting at international scientific conferences and writing papers on the newly developed methods and study results.
PhD candidate 'Development of an integrated system for breast cancer imaging | focus point ultrasound'
Requirements
Profile Requirements - You should be a creative and enthusiastic researcher with a MSc degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, medical physics, or similar.
- Experience or interest in physics modeling, inverse problems, and/or image processing, and affinity with biomedical research.
- Experience in programming in python, C/C++, Matlab, or similar.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
Contract terms
Well arranged With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%. In addition, you are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).
Compensation You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day. This way, everything is well arranged—wherever you work.
Flexible benefits scheme With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.
Warm welcome We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.
Changing allowance If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.
Salary increase At our organization, your work is valued. Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027. This means you’ll see a solid increase in your salary within a short period of time.
Work–life balance We consider a healthy work–life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.
Growth and development Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.