PhD in Ultrasound Imaging Nanobubbles Cancer Diagnostics in Eindhoven University – Netherlands

Summary

Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a PhD candidate for a project named MOMENTUM, funded by NWO, focusing on nanobubble-enhanced ultrasound imaging for cancer diagnostics. The project aims to develop pharmacokinetic models and signal analysis methods to transform nanobubble transport into a diagnostic biomarker, specifically for prostate cancer. The role involves working with imaging data from vascular models to create spatiotemporal models describing nanobubble movement. The successful candidate will collaborate with other researchers and industrial/clinical partners. Applicants should have a master's degree in a relevant engineering or physics field, strong background in signal processing, and proficiency in MATLAB and Python. The position offers full-time employment for four years, a competitive salary, and various benefits. The application deadline is November 6, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Biomedical Diagnostics (BM/d) lab, Signal Processing Systems group, Department of Electrical Engineering
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics
Research Area	Ultrasound Imaging, Nanobubbles, Cancer Diagnostics, Signal Processing, Statistical Modeling, Kinetic Modeling, Quantitative Data Analysis
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent university degree
Salary	€3,204 – €4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)
Funding	NWO Open Technology Programme
Contract Duration	Four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months
Language	English (C1 level)
Deadline	2026-11-06
Required Documents	Cover letter describing motivation and qualifications, Curriculum vitae including a list of publications and contact information of three references, Transcript of grades from master's and bachelor's degree
Employer Address	De Zaale, Eindhoven, 5612AZ, Netherlands
Employer Contact	Simona Turco ([email protected]), HR Services ([email protected])

About the Project

The MOMENTUM project, funded by the NWO Open Technology Programme, aims to develop nanobubble-enhanced ultrasound imaging for cancer diagnostics, specifically focusing on prostate cancer. The project seeks to replace invasive prostate biopsies with more accurate, non-invasive ultrasound imaging. The PhD candidate will develop modeling and signal analysis methods to turn nanobubble ultrasound imaging into a quantitative diagnostic tool. This involves working with imaging data from lab-grown vascular models to create pharmacokinetic and spatiotemporal models that describe nanobubble movement through and beyond the microvasculature. The resulting parameters will serve as candidate biomarkers for tumor angiogenesis. The project combines microfluidics, bubble physics, and ultrasound signal processing, involving collaboration with the University of Twente and industrial/clinical partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop modeling and signal analysis methods for nanobubble ultrasound imaging
• Translate changes in imaging data over time into pharmacokinetic and spatiotemporal models
• Collaborate closely with a fellow PhD candidate, a postdoc, and a technician
• Collaborate with industrial and clinical partners
• Spend a minimum of 10% of employment on teaching tasks (maximum 15% per year)

Required Skills

• Master's degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
• Strong background in signal processing
• Strong background in statistical or kinetic modeling
• Strong background in quantitative data analysis
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python
• Research-oriented attitude
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Interest in collaborating with industrial and clinical partners
• Strong interest in medical ultrasound imaging and cancer diagnostics
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for motivated PhD candidates with a master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in signal processing, statistical or kinetic modeling, and quantitative data analysis, along with proficiency in MATLAB and Python. A research-oriented attitude, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an interest in medical ultrasound imaging and cancer diagnostics are essential. The role requires the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial and clinical partners.

Benefits

• Meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university
• Interdisciplinary setting and international network
• Work on a green campus within walking distance of the central train station
• Full-time employment for four years
• Intermediate assessment after nine months
• Salary in accordance with Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (scale P: min €3,204 – max €4,051 gross base salary per month)
• 8% holiday allowance
• 8.3% year-end bonus
• Generous leave options (standard 29 days, extendable to 41 days)
• Flexible working hours
• Participation in ABP pension scheme (TU/e pays 70% of premium)
• High-quality training programs and support for scientific researchers
• Excellent technical infrastructure
• On-campus children's day care
• Unlimited access to modern on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at affordable rate
• Free 24/7 access to OpenUp for mental health support
• Allowance for commuting, working from home, and internet costs
• Staff Immigration Team and Expat Scheme for international candidates

About the Employer

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a dynamic and ambitious university with an interdisciplinary setting and an international network. It is located on a beautiful green campus within walking distance of the central train station. TU/e offers a supportive environment for scientific researchers, with high-quality training programs and excellent technical infrastructure. It also provides various benefits for employees, including pension schemes, leave options, and support for international candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the MOMENTUM project?

The main goal of the MOMENTUM project is to develop nanobubble-enhanced ultrasound imaging for cancer diagnostics, specifically to replace painful prostate biopsies with smarter, non-invasive methods.

What are the required programming skills for this position?

Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python is required.

What is the duration of the employment contract?

The employment contract is full-time for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months.

Will the PhD candidate have teaching responsibilities?

Yes, the PhD candidate will spend a minimum of 10% of their four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year.

What is the monthly gross base salary range?

The monthly gross base salary ranges from €3,204 to €4,051 for full-time employment, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Are there any specific benefits for international candidates?

Yes, international candidates can benefit from a Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme known as the Expat Scheme.