PhD Position in Adaptive Neuroimaging and MRI Scanning at Johannes Kepler University Linz Johannes Kepler University Linz in Austria

Johannes Kepler University Linz is advertising a PhD position at the Clinical Research Institute for Neurosciences in Austria. The project sits at the intersection of neuroimaging, MRI, medical image processing, deep learning, and clinical neuroscience, with a strong data-science component.

The doctoral project aims to develop and validate a novel framework for adaptive, data-driven MRI scanning. The core idea is to analyze a standard scan, identify relevant regions of interest such as white matter lesions, and then trigger targeted, disease-specific imaging only where it is needed. This approach is inspired by adaptive microscopy and is intended to improve efficiency in clinical MRI, lesion monitoring, and precise neuroimaging. The work is especially relevant to neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain tumors.

The successful candidate will join a young, emerging neuroscience institute and work in a highly interdisciplinary environment with close contact to the clinic. The position offers access to an extensive clinical imaging database and the opportunity for joint supervision by experts in neuroimaging and medical data science/software development.

Key tasks include designing automated detection models, building simulation frameworks for degraded MRI inputs, validating performance against expert annotations and lesion segmentation tools, developing co-registration and spatial correspondence tools, implementing targeted acquisition protocols, and conducting prospective pilot acquisitions. The role also includes collaboration with clinical partners, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and contributing to teaching and student supervision.

Eligibility highlights: a Diplom or Master's degree in biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field; strong Python programming skills; experience with scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, PyTorch/TensorFlow, scikit-learn, and nibabel; knowledge of MRI acquisition principles; prior MRI data analysis or medical image processing experience; and familiarity with deep learning for segmentation or detection. English at C1 level is required, and German at B1 level or willingness to learn is expected.

Funding: full-time employment for 4 years with a minimum salary of €3,776.10 gross per month (14 times per year), job grade B1.

Application deadline: 2026-08-04. Applications should be submitted through the university job portal using the official vacancy page.