PhD Position in Ultra-High Speed Computational Optical Coherence Tomography

Job Detail

Experience No Preference
Qualifications Master’s

Job Description

Join our international group in Amsterdam for an exciting PhD position at the intersection of optics, computational techniques, and biomedical imaging. Contribute to cutting-edge research pushing the limits of optical coherence tomography.

Your function

You will join an ambitious research project at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), carried out in close collaboration with ARCNL. Our research focuses on computational imaging for biomedical applications. By combining advanced numerical methods with customized optical imaging systems, we aim to enhance resolution, boost imaging speed, reduce costs, and introduce innovative contrast mechanisms.

This project aims to push the boundaries of optical coherence tomography (OCT) by breaking current acquisition speed records by an order of magnitude. To achieve this, we will employ full-field swept-source OCT, combined with sparse sampling and compressive sensing.

As a PhD candidate, you will play a key role in the experimental realization, characterization, and application of this cutting-edge imaging approach. You will also collaborate closely with another PhD student at ARCNL, working on complementary aspects of the project.

Your Responsibilities

building an experimental setup for full-field Fourier-domain OCT that enables high-speed data acquisition
characterizing diffusers, which are an essential part of this OCT setup
devising and implementing software and algorithms for image reconstruction
developing acquisition software to optimize data collection
reconstructing data and evaluating its accuracy and reliability
supervising exercise classes and Bachelor’s and Master’s students

As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to showcase your findings at national and international conferences and in publications in relevant journals. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue your own ideas and directions within the project’s framework. The ultimate goal is for the successful candidate to produce a dissertation leading to a PhD degree after 4 years.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is eager to push the boundaries of imaging technology. You are an independent thinker with a passion for innovation and problem-solving.

You ideally have

a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, or a related field, preferably with a background in optics and imaging
proficiency in numerics and programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab), with a strong willingness to further develop these skills
an enthusiastic interest in medicine and physiology, and curiosity to explore the applications of optics in these domains
effective communication skills in English, both spoken and written
a passion for creative experimental work and a willingness to experiment with novel concepts and ideas

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
contribution to commuting expenses
discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Please upload the following content:

a cover letter (max. 1 page),
your curriculum vitae,
recent grades,
if possible, a sample of a written report in English.

Deadline for the application is the 31st of October 2025. We reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline. We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you to our dynamic research environment at VU Amsterdam.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

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