PhD position on a Virtual 3D Human Bone Shape Processing Platform for Orthopedic Applications

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) at the human-tech oriented University of Twente is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join us for a full-time, fully funded, 4-year project on the development of an open-access virtual medical image platform to provide 3D human bone shape data for orthopedic researchers and applications. You will be supervised by the energetic and ambitious Biomedical Device Design & Production team.

The Challenge
Knowledge about the individual 3D bone shape plays a key role in the new generation of innovative personalized biomedical products and treatments. 3D human bone models can be used to answer research questions, such as quantifying the progression of degenerative diseases; analyzing gender, age, and ethnic differences within a population; or building a digital twin model to aid in anatomic reconstruction, and direct design applications of implants and prostheses. Despite the need, such data are rarely available. The reasons are manifold: the access to large numbers of medical image data is limited, implementation of image processing strategies is challenging, data are collected only for isolated questions or applications, and legal uncertainties play a role with respect to privacy and conflicting economic interests. In addition, knowledge from a variety of disciplines is required.

Objective
The PhD’s objective is to develop the contours and pilot work of an open-access virtual processing platform for segmentation and enrichment of CT/ MRI medical image data in order to provide a large number of fully processed 3D bone shape data to various research communities. Thereto, an overview is made of running initiatives; and pros and cons are evaluated. Optionally, we will team up with these initiatives. The PhD develops robust (semi-) automatic segmentation and processing methods applicable to different human bones on joints. We demonstrate the benefit and potential of such a virtual platform by selected use cases in the orthopaedic domain, e.g. joint replacement. Our ambition is to evolve the PhD candidate’s work into an open-access and sustainable platform, which can be operated and used in the long term to provide and enable for future research.

We offer a very stimulating position in a dynamic and international environment with enthusiastic colleagues, excellent working conditions and a green and lively campus.

• A fully funded full-time 4-year PhD position;
• Excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment;
• A training program as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• A gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year)
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• The flexibility to work (partially) from home;
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment;
• Free access to sports facilities on campus;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.