PHD Tongue Cancer

Are you ready to discover how Artificial Intelligence is transforming tongue cancer surgery? Join our innovative PhD program at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and make real impact by helping surgeons to achieve more precise cancer removal.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Segment Echo Images of Tongue Cancer Intraoperatively to Facilitate Radical Resection Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue is a rare yet critical challenge in surgical oncology. Achieving a minimum resection margin of 5 mm is vital for patient outcomes but remains unmet in up to 85% of cases due to limited intraoperative feedback on tumor boundaries. Ultrasound (US) imaging has shown promise in distinguishing SCC from normal tissue, offering insights into tumor invasion depth and resection margins. However, its interpretation is subjective, heavily relying on clinician expertise.

This project funded by the Hanarth fund combines ultrasound imaging with histopathology data to train advanced AI models for automatic tumor segmentation, enabling surgeons to make informed decisions in real-time. By correlating detailed histopathological annotations with 3D reconstructions of US data, we aim to deliver precise, automated tumor delineation and improve the outcomes of SCC surgery.

Job Responsibilities:

As a PhD candidate, you'll focus on:

• Develop cutting-edge AI models: Train state-of-the-art deep learning models to segment SCC and healthy tissues using both US images and histopathology.

• Integrate multimodal data: Align histopathology slides with 3D ultrasound reconstructions.

• Refine imaging technology: Explore improvements in ultrasound physics, reconstruction algorithms, and data acquisition techniques to ensure high-quality inputs.

• Collaborate with clinicians: Work with medical specialists to validate the clinical utility of your algorithms and ensure their relevance in surgical settings.

• Collect data in the operating room: Participate in surgical theater data collection approximately once every two weeks to advance and expand the dataset needed to advance this research.

You'll be a part of the following groups at the Netherlands Cancer Institute:

• The AI for Oncology Group of Jonas Teuwen

  https://aiforoncology.nl

• The head and neck section of the surgical oncology department

About the Groups:

AI for Oncology Lab: Dedicated to developing AI solutions to enhance cancer diagnostics and treatments via methodological advancements and expert collaborations. We have a wide range of deep learning-based projects ranging from fundamental AI research to translational evaluation of existing algorithms. Check our website for more information.

Why the Netherlands Cancer Institute?

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we all want the same thing: to make a difference in the world of cancer together. Quite something but not impossible. Here, science and care work together on innovation. Time and again, we find new ways to help people with cancer worldwide. Here we save lives, gain time and quality. Thanks to the latest techniques and, above all, to our finest talents who are curious, precise, warm, go-getters and team players.

We are seeking an ambitious, independent, and proactive researcher who is excited to work at the intersection of AI, imaging technology, and oncological surgery. Ideal candidates will have:

• A Master's degree in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a similar field.

• Proficiency in deep learning and exceptional programming skills in python and preferably a compiled language such as Java or C++.

• Clear evidence of deep learning proficiency, reflected through coursework and GitHub repositories.

• Postdoctoral candidates must have extensive expertise in deep learning for medical image analysis.

We welcome applications that only partially qualify these requirements but make sure you argue why you are suitable for this position in your application letter. Please be aware that a master’s degree is required in the Netherlands to obtain a PhD degree.

Your development opportunities and employment conditions

• A 4 year's contract for 36 hours per week;

• A gross monthly salary between € 3665,- and € 4450,-, based on a 36-hour working week, in line with the OIO Scale and depending on your experience;

• 144 holiday hours and 57 hours of Personal Life Budget, with full-time employment;

• Annual holiday pay of 8.33% and a fixed end-of-year bonus of 8.33%;

• A travel allowance of €0.23 per km;

• Free parking at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. And with our bicycle plan and discount on public transport we also make it attractive for you to leave the car at home;

• A great opportunity in a specialised hospital where you can also continue to learn and grow yourself if you wish: the AVL Academy offers innovative and inspiring education in the field of oncology professional knowledge, skills and personal development;

• Opportunity to exercise during working hours at our Fit Boutiqs;

• An active staff association.

Interested?

For questions or more information about this position, please reach out to Dr. Jonas Teuwen (Group leader AI for Oncology)

Sluitingsdatum:

10 sep. 2025

Aantal uur:

36

Salaris:

€ 3.665 - € 4.450

Opleidingsniveau:

master degree

Marjolein van Bodegom