PhD Candidate in AI-assisted medical imaging with MRI

Ntnu; Trondheim; Hybrid; NOK 496,000 - 606,000; Full time

Job summary

NTNU's Department of Physics in Trondheim invites applications for a 100% PhD position in AI-assisted MRI imaging. The project is interdisciplinary between the MRI Physics Group and the X-ray Physics Group, aiming to improve image quality via INR-based reconstruction.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering, or computer science and meet NTNU PhD admission requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering, computer science or equivalent.
• Master's degree must be documented before start and no later than 31 August 2027.
• Average grade equal to B or better on NTNU scale; other strong evidence acceptable.
• Admission to the PhD programme in Physics/Biophysics or Medical Technology is required.
• Good oral and written English.

Responsibilities

• Simulate MRI data and model disturbances from physical sources.
• Develop, implement and train INR models for MRI time-series data.
• Analyze functional MRI data of the spinal cord.
• Present research in academic publications.
• Present at international conferences, orally.
• Assist with teaching activities.

Skills

Machine learning

Neural networks

English language

Education

Master's degree in physics / maths / bioengineering / CS

Tools

Linux systems

High Performance Computing

Python

Job description

The Department of Physics has a vacancy for a

PhD Candidate in AI-assisted medical imaging with MRI

Are you motivated to take a step towards a doctorate and open up exciting career opportunities?

As a PhD Candidate with us, you will work to achieve your doctorate, and at the same time gain valuable experience that qualifies you for a further career in higher education and research, in and outside academia.

This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with atechnical-scientific profile and a focusin professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You will find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

...

About the position

We have a vacant 100% PhD position in the MRI Physics Group at the Department of Physics, NTNU.

The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the MRI Physics Group and the X-ray Physics Group at the Department of Physics. In the MRI Physics Group, we aim to improve image quality in medical imaging for diagnostic purposes and neuroscience research. Accurate and sensitive imaging is crucial for diagnosis, research, and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and ALS. Among other techniques, we use functional MRI (fMRI), which is a method for measuring brain activity and connectivity between nerve cells.

MRI measurements can be affected by magnetic field inhomogeneities, resulting in geometric distortion and signal loss in the images. The aim of the project is to investigate the potential of using Implicit Neural Representation (INR), a class of neural networks, for reconstructing MR images directly from MR signals. By incorporating a physical model of the MR signal into the training of the INR network, we aim to compensate for the effects of magnetic field inhomogeneities in the reconstructed images.

Initially, this approach will be applied to functional MRI of the spinal cord, based on data acquired using a high-field MRI system (7 Tesla). NTNU hosts Norway's first, and currently only, 7T MRI system for clinical use and research. We will also investigate the broader potential of INR-based image reconstruction for various MRI applications, including industrial applications in geology.

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

Duties of the position

• Simulate MRI data and model disturbances arising from various physical sources
• Develop, implement and train INR models for MRI time-series data
• Analyze functional MRI data of the spinal cord
• Present research findings in written form through academic publications
• Present research findings orally and participate in international conferences
• Assist with teaching activities

Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment.

Required selection criteria

• You must have a relevant Master's degree in physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering, computer science or equivalent. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than 31 August 2027.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale . If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to thePhD programme in Physics or Biophysics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, alternatively the PhD programme in Medical Technology at the Medical Faculty.
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English

• Experience with machine learning and neural networks
• Basic knowledge of MR physics
• Experience with signal processing and/or image processing
• Experience with Linux systems and High Performance Computing
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian / Scandinavian language is an advantage

Personal characteristics

To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), it is important that you are able to:

• Show curiosity and a strong motivation for the subject
• Work independently and together with colleagues from different fields of research
• Work in a structured way, set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Analyze data, assess different perspectives and draw well-founded conclusions
• Present and discuss your research with other professionals

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

We offer

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world andour values are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse, and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.

Salary and conditions

In the position of PhD Candidate, code 1017, your gross salary will normally be NOK 550 800,- per annum. A 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

The employment period is3 years for the doctoral work, with the possibility of an extension related to teaching duties upon agreement with the Department.

For employment as a PhD Candidate, it is a prerequisite that you gain admission to the PhD programme in Physics or Biophysics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, alternatively the PhD programme in Medical Technology at the Medical Faculty, within three months of your employment contract start date, and that you participate in an organized doctoral programme throughout the period of employment.

As an employee at NTNU, it is important that you keep yourself up to date with academic and organizational changes and adapt to them.

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution regularly. Partial home office is possible upon agreement.

The appointment is carried out in accordance with the principles of the State Employees Act , and Export control (legislation that regulates the export of knowledge, technology and services). Candidates who, after assessment of the application and attachments, are considered to be in conflict with the criteria in the latter act, will not be able to be employed.

About the application

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English.

The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
• Copy of Master's thesis. If you have not yet submitted your Master's thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis or a short description of the thesis project. Documentation of a completed Master's degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• CV
• Short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page)
• Publications and other research work (if applicable)
• Certificates (if applicable)
• Names and contact information of minimum two relevant referees

If all, or parts, of your education have been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here . If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) , please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

NTNU recognizes a wide range of academic contributions and has committed itself to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment and CoARA (responsible assessment of research and recognition of a greater breadth of academic contributions in accordance with NTNU's social mission).

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you wish to be exempt from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation . You will be notified if the exemption is not granted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Johanna Vannesjö, e-mail: [e-mail] .

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Consultant Anja Isaksen, e-mail: [e-mail] .

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the tech capital of Norway with a population of 200,000.The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Physics

Our research and teaching are both experimental and theoretical, covering a wide range of disciplines. Our activities contribute to development of new medical technology and to finding solutions for the next generation’s communication technology, energy utilization and development of materials. The Department of Physics is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences .