Machine Learning for Medical Video Analysis in Cancer Treatment

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PhD

Machine Learning for Medical Video Analysis in Cancer Treatment

The advances of fluorescent markers provide powerful new possibilities for guided precision medicine in cancer surgery. However, fluorescent signals in soft tissue can be difficult to interpret, especially when they are weak, unstable, or partially obscured during minimally invasive procedures. To help surgeons achieve the best possible post-operative quality of life for cancer patients, we are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an international research effort combining medical imaging, computer vision, and artificial intelligence.

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Closing date: 31 december 2025
€3.059 - €3.881

Machine Learning for Medical Video Analysis in Cancer Treatment

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What are you going to do?

In this four-year PhD project, you will develop real-time machine-learning systems for the analysis of fluorescence-guided endoscopic videos. Your primary goal is to design and evaluate machine learning and deep learning algorithms capable of reliably detecting weak fluorescence signals injected into soft tissues to mark tumors and lymph nodes.

You will work on:

  •         Developing an automated system for fluorescence video analysis
  •         Integrating the developed algorithms into a real-time prototype system
  •         Collaborating with surgeons and industrial partners to understand clinical requirements and refine system functionality
  •         Participating actively in consortium meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration with academic, clinical, and industrial partners 

Employed PhD candidates are expected to spend 10% of their working hours on teaching and/or supervising candidates.

Who are you?

You are an enthusiastic and curious researcher with:

  •         A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
  •         Strong programming skills
  •         Experience with machine learning and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch)
  •         Interest in medical imaging, computer vision, or video analysis
  •         Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
  •         Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary, international environment

What can you expect from us?

  • In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 (Promovendus) up to a maximum of € 3.881 (Promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
  • 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
  • End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
  • Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Contract duration: The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.
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Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse

This PhD position is part of the Interreg PRECISE project, a large cross-border European research initiative focused on innovations for precision cancer surgery. You will join a vibrant and international research environment at the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen. The candidate will become a member of the Intelligent Systems Group of the Computer Science Department and will work under the supervision of Dr. Jiapan Guo (j.guo@rug.nl).

Application procedure

Step 1: Your application

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2: Selection

The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.

Step 3: First interview

We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting

After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Then apply immediately!

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you’re requested to upload the following documents:

Letter of motivation, CV, transcripts

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Do you have any questions or need more information?

  • Questions about the content of the job?

    Jiapan Guo

    Assistant Professor

    j.guo@rug.nl
  • Questions about your application process?

    Femke Postma

    Human Resources Adviser

    femke.postma@rug.nl

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

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