Doctoral scholarship musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The researchgroup mVISION in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging

Position

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is key for diagnosing musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and monitoring after therapy. However, conventional MRI is subjective and has limitations in terms of image resolution and quality. The principal goal of this PhD project is to apply and evaluate a super-resolution reconstruction (SRR) framework for anatomical and quantitative imaging of the MSK system, with a particular focus on internal derangement of joints and skeletal muscle injuries. SRR qMRI could open up exciting possibilities to help inform return to sports after MSK injury and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments. Sequence optimization is performed in collaboration with the imec-Vision Lab of UAntwerp (dept. of physics). Finally, sequences will be tested in volunteers and patients at the MRI department of the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA).

• You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis in the field of musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.

Profile

• You either hold a Master's degree in mathematics, (medical) physics, computer science or engineering and have a strong interest in biomedical sciences, or you hold a Master's degree in biomedical sciences and have a strong interest in physics and programming. Ultimately, you will have obtained this Master's degree by the time you enroll as a PhD student.
• You have strong programming skills (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++, R, etc.)
• You have outstanding organizational skills and work habits, which includes both the ability to work in a team and independently.
• Experience in image reconstruction and analysis, MRI and/or musculoskeletal research is a plus.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a maximum of 3 years (following a positive evaluation after 1 year, the scholarship will be renewed for another 2 years).
• The position is open as soon as possible.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including July 18^th, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your up-to-date academic CV.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. dr. Pieter Van Dyck (pieter.vandyck2@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.