PhD in Multi-Aperture Ultrasound Imaging for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Introduction

Are you passionate about advancing medical imaging and improving cardiovascular care? Join us in developing a revolutionary multi-aperture ultrasound platform that enables comprehensive 3D imaging and biomechanical assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Job Description

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the prestigious NWO VICI programme "(R)evolution in Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging" within the Photoacoustics & Ultrasound Laboratory Eindhoven (PULS/e) at Eindhoven University of Technology. The project brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to develop ultrasound systems capable of providing CT-like anatomical coverage while retaining the advantages of ultrasound: safety, speed, accessibility, and real-time imaging.

Your research will focus on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a potentially life-threatening vascular disease that is currently monitored primarily using diameter measurements. You will develop innovative multi-aperture matrix-array ultrasound systems, advanced acquisition strategies, multi-static beamforming methods, and semi-tomographic reconstruction algorithms that enable high-quality 3D visualization of the abdominal aorta.

In addition, you will develop algorithms for segmentation, motion tracking, elastography, and biomechanical analysis of aneurysms, with the goal of improving patient-specific rupture risk assessment beyond traditional diameter-based metrics. Your work will be validated through simulations, phantom experiments, and first-in-human volunteer studies in close collaboration with clinical partners.

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment together with other PhD candidates, a postdoctoral researcher, vascular surgeons, ultrasound engineers, and industrial partners including Philips and Catharina Hospital Eindhoven. The project offers a unique opportunity to perform cutting-edge research that combines hardware development, signal processing, AI-driven image analysis, and clinical translation.

Job Requirements

We are looking for an ambitious and highly motivated candidate who has:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Medical Imaging, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong affinity with ultrasound imaging, signal processing, medical image analysis, or computational imaging.
• Experience with scientific programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python and/or C++).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in image reconstruction, beamforming, machine learning, and quantitative imaging.
• A research-oriented mindset and enthusiasm for scientific discovery.
• Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.
• Interest in collaborating with clinicians and industrial partners.
• Motivation to develop teaching and supervision skills.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English (C1 level).

The following would be considered a plus:

• Experience with ultrasound imaging (crucial)
• Experience with image segmentation, deep learning, or computer vision.
• Experience with 3D image processing or inverse problems.
• Experience with experimental research and data acquisition systems.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881 gross per month).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers top-level education and research in one of the most relevant and exciting scientific disciplines of the 21st century: engineering health. In combining engineering and life sciences, through challenge-based learning and a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with hospitals, industry and others, the department addresses the great challenges of the future, striving to improve healthcare and society as a whole.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof. dr. ir. Richard G.P. Lopata, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact M. Temmink, Senior HR advisor, [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.