The Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging has installed a Siemens Vision Quadra PET/CT 1m long positron emission tomograph (PET) scanner accompanied with a state-of-the-art computed X-ray tomographic (CT) system. As one of the first centres (worldwide) with such a scanner, a new research line will be to explore novel opportunities that such a system offers.

Professor Charalampos Tsoumpas has recently launched a molecular imaging physics program which includes a team of 7 PhD students who focus on the development of novel quantitative methods for analysing dynamic PET data obtained with the Siemens Vision Quadra PET/CT scanner. The PhD project will focus on the development of non-invasive, quantitative methods for dual tracer PET potentially using artificial intelligence (AI) methods and advanced image reconstruction methods to separate the signal of the two tracers. Research output will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

The supervisory team and collaborators
UMCG: Professor Dr. Ir. Harry Tsoumpas, Professor Dr. Adriaan Lammertsma, Dr. Adrienne Brouwers, Dr. Joyce van Sluis, Dr. Derk-Jan de Groot.
Siemens Healthineers: Dr. Antonis Kalemis, Dr. Maurizio Conti, Dr. Niels Schurink, Dr. Veerle Kersemans.

We are looking for a creative and passionate researcher with a degree in Physics, Medical Physics, Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, (Biomedical) Engineering, Biomedical Sciences or Computational Biology with a very strong interest in imaging science. Excellent communication skills (in English) and expertise in software development are essential. The research should result in a PhD thesis.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required

You will get a four-year contract (36 hours per week). The starting date will be in the beginning of 2025. Your salary will be a minimum of € 3.017,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.824,- gross per month (PhD salary scale) in the final (4th) year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging

The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is one of the largest hospitals in the Netherlands and the largest employer in the Northern Netherlands. In addition to providing clinical care, it is a constituent member of the University of Groningen with much focus on core research, training, and education. The Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging as part of UMCG has well-established international reputation for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and front-end research activities together with its internal and external collaborations. At least as important as a pleasant working environment is a pleasant living environment. Groningen is a thriving University City set in quiet, spacious surroundings.