PhD Student in Metabolic MR Imaging Innovation

Contribute to cutting-edge research in minimally invasive treatments within the IMAGINE open innovation lab. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement innovative MRI technologies that enhance patient care.

Dit ga je doen

Join the IMAGINE open innovation lab community to accelerate innovation. As a researcher you will:

• Design and conduct research on metabolic MR imaging technologies, focusing on improving quality of cancer treatment for patients as well as reducing workload for clinicians. Collaborate with experts in AI, data science, and medical imaging to develop integrated solutions.
• Engage in translational research, bridging the gap between technological innovation and clinical application.
• Contribute to publications and presentations to disseminate findings within the scientific community.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and workshops to foster knowledge exchange and innovation.

Your work is vital to advancing less invasive treatment options, reducing patient recovery times, and optimizing healthcare resources.

In this particular PhD-position you will have the opportunity to develop, optimize and validate advanced MR metabolic imaging methods, for 3T and 7 Tesla MRI, that provide quantitative maps of dynamic metabolic processes in the brain. This includes MR sequence optimization, acceleration strategies and advanced post-processing of MR data.

Beyond technical development, you will have the opportunity to implement and evaluate your methods in the clinics. Your techniques will be implemented in ongoing clinical resaarch on (pediatric) brain tumor as well as potential application in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative disases. The overarching goal is the clinical translation of novel metabolic imaging methods into the clinical routine.

If you enjoy building things from scratch, optimizing systems for performance, and solving difficult technical challenges with real clinical impact, this PhD position is designed for you.

Your position is hosted at the Precision Imaging group of the Centre of Image Sciences in the UMC Utrecht. The research of the Precision Imaging group focuses on multiparametric body and brain imaging of structure and function in health and disease, with particular emphasis on development of tools for i) improved imaging, ii) characterization of metabolism, and iii) monitoring of protective and -restorative therapies.

Hier ga je werken

The IMAGINE open innovation lab is a collaboration between various institutions and companies that combine clinical expertise, engineering innovation, and Combine clinical and engineering expertise to drive clinical innovation in the field of Imaging and Image-guided interventions in oncology, cardiology and other domains. This strong collaboration fosters a truly multidisciplinary approach, enabling rapid innovation and effective translation of research into clinical practice.

The mission of the IMAGINE program is to revolutionize cancer care by developing smart, minimally invasive therapies guided by advanced imaging technologies. Through close collaboration between clinicians, engineers, physicists, and researchers, IMAGINE aims to create personalized treatments that are more precise, less burdensome for patients, and more efficient for healthcare systems. At the same time, it helps reduce the strain on the healthcare system which contributes to lower healthcare costs. IMAGINE also plays a key role in training future-ready healthcare professionals in an inspiring work environment. In doing so, it supports a future where cancer treatments are safer, more effective, and widely accessible.

Your direct colleagues include researchers and support staff from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to improving patient outcomes. The team values a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where team members challenge and inspire one another.

Dit neem je mee

• You hold a Master’s degree in physics, biomedical imaging sciences, biomedical engineering or comparable.
• You have strong programming skills (Matlab/Python etc.).
• Experience with Philips MR pulse programming is a plus.
• You like to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• You are highly motivated and committed.
• You have a proven proficiency in written and spoken English.
• You demonstrate excellent planning and time management skills.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3017 and € 3824 gross per month (scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• A position for a period of 48 months. The start date of this position is April 1, 2026.
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%. 
• A favorable pension scheme with ABP: we cover 70% of the premium.
• Access to a variety of courses and training through GoodHabitz.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.