PhD in Medical Image Analysis and Artificial Intelligence Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a PhD position in medical image analysis and artificial intelligence within the ETRO research group, a core member of IMEC. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working on the ELEVATE project, which aims to develop next-generation generative AI methods for medical image generation and dimensionality enhancement, focusing on musculoskeletal imaging of the lower limbs. The project seeks to bridge the gap between advanced research imaging and routine clinical input by generating anatomically faithful, patient-specific 3D/4D representations from simple measurements such as X-rays and surface scans.

As a PhD student, you will design and validate generative models—including diffusion, autoencoder, and GAN-based approaches—to infer missing anatomical information and biomechanics-aware transformations. The research is conducted in close collaboration with clinical and imaging partners at UZ Brussel and other academic and industrial members of the ELEVATE consortium, ensuring strong alignment with real-world clinical workflows and future valorisation pathways.

The position is based at the ETRO group on the VUB Main Campus in Etterbeek, with regular collaboration at the VUB Health Campus in Jette. In addition to research, you will contribute to departmental activities such as supervising practical classes and representing VUB at events. The working language is English, and the environment is international and diverse.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electronics & Informatics Engineering, or a closely related field, obtained within 24 months before March 2027. Required skills include strong scientific writing and communication, proficiency in English, and programming in Python. Experience with medical imaging packages, deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, MONAI), and HPC/GPU computing is advantageous. For non-EEA diplomas, an official NARIC equivalence certificate or confirmation from a Flemish university is required. Candidates must meet VUB permit and residence requirements and not have worked as an assistant for more than 12 months.

The offer includes a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months upon positive evaluation, with a grant amount linked to government scales. Additional benefits include telework allowance or internet fee, cost-free hospitalisation insurance, full reimbursement of public transport commute, attractive campus restaurant prices, sports facilities, and more. The planned start date is between 1 June 2026 and 1 September 2026.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni) via the VUB jobs portal by 19 April 2026. The selection process involves an initial application review and a job interview. For further information about the position, contact Dr Benyameen Keelson at [email protected].