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 Vision Lab of the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Sciences and the Bio-Imaging Lab of the Department of Biomedical Sciences are looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of in vivo microstructure imaging with magnetic resonance imaging. This position is part of the ERC Consolidator project “A data-driven approach to microstructure imaging” (ADAMI), funded by the European Union. ADAMI is a highly interdisciplinary project that combines insights from physics/engineering (imaging and image processing of MRI and light-sheet microscopy), biological and medical sciences (tissue microstructure, immunostaining, and neuroscience), and computer science (data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence) to achieve a breakthrough in microstructure imaging with MRI.

Position

• You will focus on the acquisition, processing, curation, and modeling of quantitative MRI data of healthy mice and mice models for neurodegeneration.
• You will present your findings at international conferences, publish scientific articles related to the research project, and participate in outreach events.
• As a PhD student, you will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis on the topic of microstructure imaging with MRI.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, (Medical) Physics, Bio(medical) Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline or you will have obtained it by the time you start work. Students that will obtain their Master’s degree this academic year are encouraged to apply.
• You can demonstrate outstanding academic results.
• You have knowledge of medical imaging, in particular MRI.
• You have knowledge of quantitative MRI (diffusion, relaxometry, …).
• You hold a FELASA certificate or are willing to obtain one.
• Experience with multi-modal quantitative MRI (e.g. diffusion + relaxometry) or other in vivo imaging modalities, computer programming skills (e.g. in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB), and prior MRI acquisition & image processing experience are considered a bonus.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You can work independently, creatively, and efficiently with attention to quality and integrity.
• You are a strong team player with the ability to cooperate and succeed in a dynamic international environment.
• You can speak and write fluently in English and you have excellent communication skills.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year, renewable to 4 years after positive evaluation.
• 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, an internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is as soon as possible, preferably no later than September 2024.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• 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 29 May 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your detailed academic CV (including competences)
  • contact details of two references
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) 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 Dr. Ben Jeurissen, PI of the project (ben.jeurissen@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.