PhD Candidate 'AI-Driven Handheld Ultrasound for Military Trauma Care'

AcademicTransfer; Nederland; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Travel allowance €0.18/km

Job summary

Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) seeks a PhD researcher to develop artificial intelligence for medical ultrasound in military trauma care. You will study AI-assisted ultrasound, identify critical operational needs, and evaluate AI algorithms for forward-deployed settings to enable rapid, reliable diagnostics.

The project emphasizes translating AI innovations into clinical practice, working with clinicians, engineers and healthcare professionals, and exploring both military and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, or a related field.
• Experience with deep learning techniques and programming in Python or a comparable language.
• Affinity with medical (ultrasound) imaging and image analysis.
• Interest in military healthcare; previous experience within the Netherlands Armed Forces is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI for ultrasound imaging in military trauma care.
• Investigate AI-assisted ultrasound technologies and identify unmet operational needs.
• Integrate AI solutions into military medical practice considering clinician workflows.

Skills

Master's degree in Artificial Intell

Deep learning experience

Medical ultrasound imaging

Military healthcare interest

Education

Master's degree in AI / CS / Biomedical Engineering / Technical Medicine

Tools

Python

Deep learning frameworks

Job description

Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc)

Organisation/Company Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Computer science » Programming Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 23 Nov 2026 - 23:00 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 36.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Job description

Do you want to develop artificial intelligence for medical imaging to improve care for injured military personnel?

Military trauma care takes place under challenging conditions. During military operations, medical resources may be limited, specialist expertise may not always be available, and evacuation to a hospital may take hours or even days. Under these circumstances, healthcare providers must be able to rapidly and reliably identify a patient’s injuries and determine the treatment required. Rapid diagnostics can be lifesaving.

Ultrasound offers significant opportunities in this regard. Portable ultrasound equipment enables healthcare providers to examine patients at the point of care, without relying on extensive diagnostic facilities. One important application is the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (EFAST), which can be used to detect signs of internal bleeding and pneumothorax, among other conditions. However, performing and interpreting ultrasound examinations requires specific knowledge and experience, which may not be readily accessible in forward-deployed medical treatment facilities.

Can artificial intelligence make ultrasound more accessible and effective for military healthcare providers in operational environments?

This is the central challenge of this PhD research project. Ultrasound offers valuable opportunities for rapid, portable diagnostics in military trauma care, particularly in forward-deployed settings where access to advanced diagnostic equipment and specialised expertise may be limited.

You will investigate how artificial intelligence can support military healthcare providers in acquiring and interpreting ultrasound images. The research will start by exploring existing AI-assisted ultrasound technologies, identifying unmet operational needs and determining where further technological development could provide the greatest benefit to military healthcare.

Applications such as Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (EFAST), used to identify potentially life-threatening injuries, provide a relevant starting point. However, the research will also explore other promising applications of ultrasound and AI across military trauma care.

Beyond developing and evaluating AI algorithms, the project will investigate how these technologies can be effectively integrated into military medical practice, taking into account the capabilities of healthcare providers and the specific challenges of operational environments.

Although military healthcare is the primary focus, the resulting knowledge and technologies may also benefit civilian emergency care, including ambulance services and emergency departments.

Profile

You are an analytical, curious and enthusiastic researcher who is motivated to conduct independent scientific research. You have a strong interest in translating technological innovations into clinical practice and enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams with researchers, physicians, engineers and other healthcare professionals.

In addition, you possess excellent communication skills and are proficient in English, both spoken and written. You are eager to contribute to innovative solutions that can improve trauma care in challenging operational environments.

• A Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Medicine, or a related field.
• Experience with deep learning techniques and programming in Python or a comparable programming language.
• Affinity with medical (ultrasound) imaging and image analysis.
• An interest in military healthcare; previous experience within the Netherlands Armed Forces is considered an advantage.

Additional Information

• With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%.
• You are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).
• You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day.
• With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.
• We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.
• If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.
• Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027.
• We consider a healthy work-life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.
• Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.

Additional comments

• The first job interviews will take place early December. Please take this into account.
• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).