⛔ This position is no longer available.
University: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Country: Belgium
Deadline: 2026-04-19
Fields: Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electronics & Informatics Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Medical Imaging
Topic: Belgium – PhD in Medical Image Analysis & AI at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Fields: Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electronics & Informatics Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Medical Imaging
Position: phd
Country: europe
Deadline: 2026-04-19
University: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Real Country: Belgium
Main Category: computer & data sciences
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Are you passionate about advancing healthcare through cutting-edge artificial intelligence and medical imaging research? Do you envision yourself developing technologies that could revolutionize diagnostics and patient care, while working within a vibrant international academic community?
At Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, an exciting, fully funded PhD position is available in the field of medical image analysis and artificial intelligence. This opportunity, based in the renowned ETRO research group, offers the chance to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of engineering, computer science, and medicine. If you are eager to embark on a challenging and impactful doctoral journey, this position could be your gateway to an outstanding academic and professional future.
About the University or Research Institute
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in the heart of Europe. For over half a century, VUB has championed the principles of freedom, equality, and solidarity, cultivating an environment where diversity, critical thinking, and creativity are central. Located in Brussels, an international hub for science, culture, and policy, VUB is the largest Dutch-speaking private-sector employer in the city, with a community of approximately 4,000 staff and a highly diverse student body.
The university is renowned for its commitment to free and open research, fostering groundbreaking advances across disciplines. VUB’s main campuses are situated in Etterbeek and Jette, offering a dynamic, multicultural academic environment. As a member of the EUTOPIA alliance, VUB collaborates with leading European universities to continually redefine the frontiers of higher education and research.
The Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO) at VUB is internationally recognized for its excellence in micro- and optoelectronics, multidimensional signal processing, and audiovisual computing. ETRO is a core member of IMEC, a world-leading research center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, and works closely with UZ Brussel, the university hospital, which is acclaimed for its clinical and translational biomedical research.
Living and studying in Belgium, particularly in Brussels, offers numerous advantages. The city is a cosmopolitan center with a rich cultural heritage, excellent public transport, and a high quality of life. As the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels provides unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure to global perspectives. Belgium’s central location also makes it easy to explore other European countries, enhancing both your academic and personal experience.
Research Topic and Significance
The PhD position focuses on the development of advanced generative AI methods for medical image generation and dimensionality enhancement, specifically within the context of musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging of the lower limbs. The project, ELEVATE, aims to bridge the gap between sophisticated research imaging modalities (such as 3D/4D CT and fluoroscopy) and routine clinical imaging (like affordable 2D/3D data and surface scans).
The significance of this research lies in its potential to transform clinical workflows by enabling the generation of anatomically accurate, patient-specific 3D/4D representations from simple, widely available measurements such as X-rays and surface scans. By leveraging state-of-the-art AI techniques—including diffusion models, autoencoders, and generative adversarial networks (GANs)—the project seeks to infer missing anatomical information and create realistic, biomechanics-aware transformations.
This work not only addresses critical challenges in medical image analysis, such as data scarcity and the need for high-fidelity models, but also has profound implications for improving patient diagnostics, treatment planning, and personalized medicine. The integration of AI into medical imaging is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, promising to enhance accuracy, reduce costs, and expand access to advanced diagnostic tools worldwide.
Project Details
The successful candidate will join the ETRO research group at VUB and contribute to the core development and validation of the AI pipeline for the ELEVATE project. Supervised by Prof. Jef Vandemeulebroucke, the PhD student will design and implement generative models capable of reconstructing detailed anatomical structures from limited clinical data. The research will involve close collaboration with clinical and imaging experts at UZ Brussel, as well as partners from academia and industry within the ELEVATE consortium.
Key responsibilities include:
– Designing, developing, and validating generative AI models for medical image analysis.
– Collaborating with clinicians, engineers, and researchers to ensure the clinical relevance and applicability of the developed methods.
– Participating in departmental activities, such as supervising practical classes and representing VUB at academic events.
– Engaging in advanced training programs and contributing to the vibrant academic life at VUB.
The primary workplace will be the ETRO department on the VUB Etterbeek campus, with regular collaboration at the VUB Health Campus in Jette.
Candidate Profile
This PhD position is ideal for candidates who are highly motivated, innovative, and eager to work at the intersection of technology and medicine. The following profile is sought:
– A Master’s degree (awarded within the last 24 months before March 2027) in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electronics & Informatics Engineering, or a closely related field.
– Strong programming skills in Python, with experience in medical image processing and machine learning/deep learning techniques.
– Proficiency in scientific English, both written and spoken.
– Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with clinicians and engineers.
– Experience with medical imaging packages (e.g., SimpleITK/ITK, nibabel), deep learning frameworks (such as PyTorch and/or MONAI), and evaluation metrics for anatomical and shape analysis is highly desirable.
– Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), GPU computing, and relevant libraries (e.g., CUDA, multi-GPU training, Slurm) is an asset.
– Eligibility requirements include a master’s degree from a recognized institution in the EEA or Switzerland, or an official equivalence certificate for non-EEA diplomas.
– Candidates must not have held an assistant mandate for more than 12 months and must meet VUB’s residence and permit requirements.
VUB is committed to diversity and equal opportunity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, religion, ethnicity, disability, or neurodiversity.
Application Process
To apply for this position, candidates must submit their application via the official VUB job portal (https://jobs.vub.be/job/Elsene-PhD-in-‘medical-image-analysis-and-artificial-intelligence’/1374983233/) no later than 19 April 2026.
Required documents:
– Curriculum Vitae (CV)
– Motivation letter
– Diploma (not required for VUB alumni)
Application steps:
1. Initial selection based on application file.
2. Job interview to discuss education, experience, motivation, and fit for the position.
For further details and to apply, please visit the official VUB job posting.
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class research team at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and contribute to transformative advancements in medical image analysis and artificial intelligence. If you are driven by curiosity, innovation, and a desire to make a real impact in healthcare, do not miss this chance to further your academic and professional career in one of Europe’s most dynamic research environments.
We encourage all eligible and motivated candidates to apply and to stay connected for similar opportunities in the future.
Questions & Answers
Question: What makes Vrije Universiteit Brussel a unique place to pursue a PhD?
VUB offers a diverse, inclusive, and innovative academic environment, located in Brussels—a global city at the heart of Europe. The university is renowned for its commitment to free research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and support for international scholars.
Question: What is the focus of the ELEVATE project?
The ELEVATE project aims to develop next-generation generative AI methods for medical image generation and dimensionality enhancement, particularly for musculoskeletal imaging of the lower limbs.
Question: What skills are essential for this PhD position?
Strong programming skills in Python, experience with medical image processing and deep learning, proficiency in English, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams are essential. Experience with medical imaging packages and high-performance computing is highly desirable.
Question: What are the benefits of living and studying in Belgium?
Belgium, and Brussels in particular, offers a high quality of life, multicultural experiences, excellent public transport, and proximity to other European countries. It is a hub for international collaboration and personal growth.
Question: Who will supervise this PhD project?
The project will be supervised by Prof. Jef Vandemeulebroucke, an expert in the field of medical image analysis and AI at the ETRO research group, VUB.
Question: What kind of support and benefits does VUB provide to PhD students?
VUB offers a full-time PhD scholarship, extensive homeworking options, generous leave policies, hospitalisation insurance, reimbursement for public transport, access to training programs, and a supportive, open academic community.
Question: What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 19 April 2026.
Question: Where can I find more information and apply?
Full details and the application portal are available at: https://jobs.vub.be/job/Elsene-PhD-in-‘medical-image-analysis-and-artificial-intelligence’/1374983233/
Want to calculate your PhD admission chances? Try it here:
https://phdfinder.com/2026/03/12/phd-admission-chance-calculator/
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