Job description

Differential diagnosis of liver tumours based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important challenges for abdominal radiologists. Based on their interpretation, patients are referred back with no need for follow-up or they may undergo further analysis with subsequent treatments, including surgery or chemotherapy. In current practice, the differential diagnosis of liver lesions is based on subjective and qualitative assessment.
Recently, major advances were made in artificial intelligence (AI) methods for automatic quantification of medical images. To develop such methods for liver lesion diagnosis, large collections of clinically representative MRI data with ground truth labels are needed for model training and validation. Such datasets are currently not available, and as a result there is little progress in the development of machine learning methods for liver lesion diagnosis.

To address this, we have initiated the Liver Artificial Intelligence (LAI) consortium, consisting of leading abdominal radiologists in the field of liver imaging from 14 medical centres worldwide, and scientists in the field of image analysis and machine learning. The mission of the LAI consortium is to fast-forward the development, validation, and implementation of machine learning methods that could support MRI-based diagnosis of liver lesions.

The current project is the first initiative of the LAI consortium, in which we will create a benchmark MRI data collection, aiming at 3000+ scans with corresponding ground truth labels, accessible to researchers worldwide. Using the dataset, we will develop AI models for comprehensive MRI-based liver lesion phenotyping through automated machine learning (AutoML). Lastly, together with both our clinical partners and the Swedish company Collective Minds Radiology, we will rigorously validate the models in increasingly realistic clinical settings and aim towards valorisation and clinical implementation of the model.

Work environment

The research will be conducted at the Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam (BIGR), which is part of the Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam. The department is one of the largest imaging departments in Europe with 10 clinical MRI scanners at several field strengths.

The department has an international and diverse character with a good balance between internationally recognised, high-end research and an excellent social working environment. You will collaborate with a team of experienced researchers with backgrounds in image analysis, machine learning, radiology, pathology, surgery, and oncology. As part of the project you will also work with worldwide renowned experts in liver cancer within the LAI consortium The supervision for the projects will be provided by assistant professor Martijn Starmans, PhD, and associate professor Stefan Klein, PhD, from BIGR, and abdominal radiologist Maarten Thomeer, MD, PhD.

Qualifications and skills

• You should be an independent and highly motivated researcher with an MSc or MEng degree in a technical domain (e.g., Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Informatics, Clinical/ Biomedical Technology).
• Experience with image processing, machine learning, and/or programming is highly valued.
• You should be able to communicate and work with researchers from various fields.
• Excellent proficiency in English is required. For one of the two positions, excellent proficiency in Dutch is required as well.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years. The gross monthly salary is € 2.901,- in the 1st year and increases to € 3.677,- in the 4th year (scale OIO).
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. ir. Martijn Starmans: m.starmans@erasmusmc.nl.

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

No agencies please.