Post-Doctoral position on Navigation and simultaneous localization and mapping in robotic-assisted surgery

Compared to open liver surgery, a minimally invasive approach guarantees faster recovery, less intraoperative blood loss, and in general reduced trauma. Nevertheless, laparoscopic procedures, which are performed by inserting a camera through the abdomen, induce several challenges for the operating surgeon. The foremost are the loss of depth perception and tactile feedback, reversed instrument movement and limited field of view.

To tackle the loss of depth perception computer vision techniques have been studied to detect and track visual features using multi-modality technique to acquire a 3D map of the anatomical Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), is a class of algorithms which exploits this principle with successful applications in robotics, autonomous driving and augmented reality.

In recent years, this approach has been translated in the laparoscopic field showing promising results. A new approach including deep learning will be introduced complementary to conventional SLAM, where anatomical structures (e.g. liver segments, falciform ligament, gallbladder) and surgical instruments are automatically detected and categorized and a more accurate mapping of the surgical scene can be achieved. The chosen approach will boost robotic applications specifically to tackle challenges related to understanding of heterogeneous environments and increase the number of complex interactions.

Your profile

You are a pro-active and enthusiastic scientist with experience in the above-mentioned fields related to 3D imaging, image/data processing, AI, estimation, robotics visualization and navigation.

A PhD degree (<3 years after graduation)

Several high-quality papers should have been published before

Excellent writing skills and scientific communication

Proven ability to combine expertise from different fields and apply this in a pragmatic way to the project

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Our offer

The University of Twente offers a stimulating work environment in an area of applied, forefront research. The robotics and mechatronics group is active on both fundamental and application-driven topics in the field of robotics and deeply rooted in TechMed and DSI Institutes.

You will be appointed full-time for (up to) one year within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU). You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.557 to € 5439;

There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.

Free access to sports facilities on campus

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please submit your application before June 12 via the ‘Apply now' button below and include:

A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a research position in this area including references (at least 3).

A Curriculum Vitae, including obtained degrees and publications.

For more information, please contact Françoise Siepel ([email protected]).

About the department

You will work in a highly innovative environment with a strong collaboration between the Netherlands Cancer Institute and the University of Twente, but you will also be part of an extensive European network.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute is among the world's best comprehensive cancer centers, combining innovative fundamental, translational, and clinical research with patient specific care. The specific department is focused on the development of image guided treatment for oncology purposes.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Siepel, F.J. (Françoise)

Associate Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Françoise for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534893214

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues Boelema-Kaufmann, J.M. (Jolanda)

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Ruers, T.J.M. (Theo)

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Siepel, F.J. (Françoise)

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Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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