PhD student: Biomedical imaging and cancer epidemiology

Project
Biomedical imaging is the foundation of breast cancer screening and care. We are focused on the features of healthy breast tissue that are associated with the risk of future breast cancer. These features are increasingly used to predict breast cancer and to monitor response to cancer treatment. A new breast cancer screening modality, contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM), is increasing in use. Using CEM, we are characterizing features of the healthy breast that may predict the risk of breast cancer. In an international study, we collect data and images from women receiving CEMs to better understand how variation in imaging features impacts the risk of breast cancer. 

Your role
Using this unique data resource, you will work with epidemiogists, radiologists, and machine learning scientists to characterize novel features of CEM images. 
Depending on your background, your analytic tasks may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Deep learning methods to measure specific imaging features of interest; 
2. Epidemiological analysis of imaging markers and breast cancer risk and; 
3. Methods to enable widespread use of our new analytic pipelines. 

In addition to analytic tasks, you will also play a central role in the collection and interpretation of research data collected at multiple sites.  

Interdisciplinary team
You will be a key player in an interdisciplinary research team that includes cancer researchers, epidemiologists, radiologists, and machine learning scientists. You will have the opportunity to present and receive feedback on your work during regular meetings within the Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology at NKI. This is a highly collaborative environment including group leaders, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers. 

The group of dr. Gordon (Gordie) Watt focuses on the measurement and use of imaging markers for women at higher-than-average risk of breast cancer. You will also have the opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues in other areas of cancer epidemiology.
 

We are seeking an ambitious, creative scientist, with: 

• A strong interest in biomedical imaging and epidemiology;
• A degree or expertise in bioinformatics, computer vision, or a related field;
• Experience in statistical modelling or machine learning;
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical programming languages (e.g. R, Python, or MATLAB);
• Good cross-disciplinary collaborative and communication skills; 
• Training or experience in medical physics, or experience working with biomedical imaging data, is a plus.

Your career opportunities and terms of employment

• You will join a dynamic international research division;
• You will collaborate with scientists and clinicians with expertise in different disciplines from around the world;
• You will have the opportunity to follow high-quality courses offered by the NKI PhD program; 
• Your temporary employment will be for a period of 4 years; 
• The gross salary per month can range from € 3.523,- to €4.277,- (salary PhD student scale), depending on your experience; 
• The terms of employment will be in accordance with the CAO Hospitals;
• In addition, you will receive a fixed end-of-year bonus (8,33%) and you will receive 8,33% holiday pay; 
• Your travel expenses will be reimbursed at € 0,23 per km; 
• Free parking at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is also part of the package; 
• Personnel is stimulated to use public transport and bicycle and therefore we offer an interesting arrangement for bikers; 
• Amsterdam is a stunning city with many cultural amenities. The institute is located within a 20-minute tram or bicycle ride from the center of Amsterdam and within 20 minutes from Schiphol airport by car, bus or bicycle.

Interested?
Apply by the 'Apply now'  button at the bottom of the page.
Your application letter (maximum 1 page), CV and contact information of 2 references can be attached to the application form. Ensure that your references information is attached together with your application letter, as there is no option to submit them separately.
Please apply only via the application button, and not via email.

Deadline: 
This vacancy is open until 19th of March

For further information about the position please contact:
Gordon Watt: g.watt@nki.nl    

The Netherlands Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.