PhD Candidate Position in Neuromuscular Research Lab
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate interested in exploring the intersection of engineering, physics, and medicine to advance MRI technology for peripheral nerves in the Neuromuscular Research Lab within the Department of Neurology.
What You Can Expect
Project background and aims:
- MRI of peripheral nerves and MR neurography serves as a complementary and non-invasive diagnostic tool for evaluating peripheral nerve diseases. It allows for morphological investigations of both proximal and deeply situated nerve segments, although it is limited by the MRN sequence characteristics, such as being 2-D with restricted anatomical coverage due to prolonged acquisition times (approximately 1 hour for an entire lower extremity) and sensitivity to motion artifacts. These challenges limit the broader application of MR neurography despite its potential to advance our understanding of nerve pathology.
- This project aims to develop an innovative MRN sequence with automated AI-based post-processing, tailored for assessing nerve morphology. This includes substructural analysis of nerve fascicles and high-resolution quantification of lesions across a wide coverage area.
- The PhD student's responsibilities will include developing AI-based image segmentation methods for nerves and muscles, proposing new substructural markers for nerve compartmentalization, and performing data analysis on the clinical parameters extracted.
- Methodologies developed during the project will be validated through a clinical study involving both healthy volunteers and patients.
- In addition to this PhD position, another student will focus on MR sequence development, creating a strong collaborative environment aimed at delivering next-generation MR neurography.
Your Profile
- You hold a Master's degree in electrical or biomedical engineering, computational sciences, physics, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with AI/ML is advantageous.
- You are proficient in programming, image processing, and data analysis.
- Prior experience in programming and image processing is beneficial.
- You possess a strong team spirit and the ability to work autonomously, coupled with a willingness to learn.
- Excellent oral and written skills in English are required. Proficiency in German and French is a plus.
What We Offer
Join an international research initiative led by the Department of Neurology at Inselspital Bern in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Research of the University of Bern, Switzerland and the NMR Laboratory, Institute of Myology in Paris, France. Both institutes are equipped with Siemens 3T scanners, as well as a 7T scanner in Bern. Modern GPU clusters are available at both the Inselspital Bern and the University of Bern. This position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is available for a duration of 3.5 years. The successful PhD candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Bern and will receive supervision from PD Dr. med. Olivier Scheidegger (physician) and PD Dr. Richard McKinley (AI scientist).
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Please include a cover letter detailing your motivation for applying, a CV, contact information for two references, and your MSc thesis (if available). Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Questions About the Job?
For further information, please contact:
Olivier Scheidegger
olivier.scheidegger@insel.ch