Ph D enrolment : University of Antwerp, Belgium
Primary Supervisor : Dr. Thibo Billiet, Icometrix
Subject area : Image quality transfer, AI, segmentation, diffusion MRI

About this doctoral project and your tasks
The goal of this project will be to expand the usability of brain q MRI data that has limitations (e.g. limited resolution, SNR or CNR). By using AI (machine learning and/or deep learning), existing MRI data will be enhanced to allow accurate segmentation (e.g. lesions or tissue structures) and/or to allow q MRI modeling (e.g. diffusion tractography).
The focus will be on tractography based on DTI datasets with few gradient directions and/or accurate volume segmentations based on low spatial resolution T1-weighted images. The clinical added value of MRI biomarkers extracted from such enhanced datasets will be evaluated in MS patients in comparison with conventional brain imaging.

Your tasks will include :

• Perform top class research in the field of medical image processing
• Find creative solutions for challenging image processing questions
• Develop novel quantitative image processing pipelines with a special focus on deep learning (programming in Python)
• Develop and execute validation of novel algorithms
• Data management and data quality control
• Stay informed on the developments and trends in the field of medical image processing
• Discuss the progress and intermediate results of research projects both internally and externally
• Present your work to an international multi-disciplinary community
• You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a Ph D thesis in magnetic resonance imaging.
• You will write several high-quality scientific articles related to the research project and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

For this project, we foresee secondments to:

• Prof. Dr. Pieter Van Dyck (2 months) at University Hospital Antwerp (UZA, Belgium)
• Prof. Dr. Jorge Cardoso (3 months) at King’s College London (United Kingdom)
• Dr. Ana-Maria Oros-Peusquens (2 months) at Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany)

HOW TO APPLY : Please apply for this position by using the following link : https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/iq-brain/jobopenings/

• Your profile aligns with the general requirements and eligibility criteria of the IQ-BRAIN project.
• You have a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, physics, computer science or related fields (or will have by the time of your appointment).
• Background in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or scientific computing is appreciated.
• Experience in Medical Image Computing (e.g. master thesis) and/or Deep learning knowledge is an asset.
• Experience in Scientific Programming (preferably Python)
• Fit with our values and culture
• Work accurately and independently as well as within a multidisciplinary team
• Eager to learn, entrepreneurial, multicultural attitude, results-oriented
• Fluent in English, other languages are an asset

• The selected candidate will be employed by icometrix for 36 months on the MSCA-DN project.
• Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances and the regulations of the organisation. icometrix has received the following EU-grant to recruit a Doctoral Candidate (DC): monthly Living Allowance € 3.400; monthly Mobility Allowance € 600; and monthly Family Allowance € 660 (only if applicable). Please note that the final monthly, gross salary will result from deducting (from the mentioned amounts) all compulsory national labour taxes (social security, etc.) to be borne by the employer. Moreover, funding is available for technical and personal skills training and participation in international research events.
• Expected start date: between April and September 2025. We encourage last-year master students who will graduate by this time to already apply.
  More information is available in the general information document for IQ-BRAIN positions : https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/iq-brain/jobopenings/generalinfo/

For additional information about the research project, contact:
Dr. Thibo Billiet - Thibo.billiet@icometrix.com
or
Dr. Thanh Vân Phan - van.phan@icometrix.com

HOW TO APPLY : Please apply for this position by using the following link : https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/projects/iq-brain/jobopenings/