PhD Student - AI Research / Computer Vision Engineer - Medical Image Analysis

This project focuses on the development of AI-powered point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) technology for early breast cancer detection. The aim is to enable accurate, operator-independent ultrasound-based assessment at the first point of contact by integrating advanced computer vision, deep learning, and explainable AI with low-cost handheld ultrasound devices.

The PhD candidate will primarily contribute to the AI and medical image analysis components of the project, working closely with engineers, data scientists, and clinicians to translate methodological advances into clinically robust solutions., The PhD candidate will focus on AI development and computer vision research, including:

• Developing deep learning models for ultrasound image enhancement, lesion detection, segmentation, and classification
• Designing computer vision pipelines for ultrasound sweep analysis, including quality control and temporal modeling
• Applying CNNs, transformer-based architectures, and self-/semi-supervised learning to breast ultrasound data
• Integrating explainable AI (XAI) methods to improve interpretability and clinical trust
• Working closely with clinicians and engineers to align AI development with clinical needs
• Contributing to retrospective and prospective validation studies
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences

• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Data Science, Technical medicine, or a related field;
• Strong interest in computer vision and medical image analysis;
• Experience with machine learning and deep learning methods;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment involving clinical collaborators;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills both in Dutch and English., * Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and C++;
• Familiarity with AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch);
• Solid foundation in computer vision and image processing;
• Strong analytical and data interpretation abilities;
• Experience with model evaluation, validation, and data analysis;
• Familiarity with medical imaging (ultrasound experience is a strong plus);
• Publications or conference presentations in related fields (desired).

The basis for your employment conditions is in accordance with the CLA Hospitals. You will receive from us:

• A contract for four years, for 36 hours per week;
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.738,- and € 4.539-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the PhD/OIO scale (and in accordance with the CLA of August 2026);
• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;
• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;
• A travel allowance of €0.23 per km;
• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;
• An active PhD council;
• Opportunity to exercise during working hours at our Fit Boutiqs.

This position also offers unique opportunities for your professional development:

• You will work in a cutting-edge research environment;
• You will join a dynamic international research group;
• You will collaborate with scientists and clinicians with expertise in different disciplines;
• You will have the opportunity to follow high-quality courses offered by the NKI PhD program;
• You will be employed for a period of at least four years, with a possibility for extension;
• You will have access to state-of-the-art lab equipment and computational resources