PhD Position - Denoising Methods for Dual-Tracer PET Imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) is often used to diagnose neurological diseases. Before PET imaging, a radiotracer is injected into the patient to display metabolic processes in the body. At the Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4), we are developing an innovative reconstruction algorithm and methods to correct factors impacting the quantitative accuracy of PET images. Our recent research has focused on dual-tracer PET imaging, in which two radiotracers are injected simultaneously, enabling two metabolic processes to be displayed at once. Dual-tracer PET imaging can provide new insights into neurological diseases. During image reconstruction, the signals of both tracers are separated. One challenge with dual-tracer PET is that the reconstructed images contain significant noise. As a doctoral researcher at our institute, you will develop and implement a new algorithm to reduce noise in dual-tracer PET imaging and improve the quantitative accuracy of dual-tracer PET scans.

Your Job

Simulation of PET data using existing simulation packages.
Development of denoising algorithms and incorporation into PET image reconstruction
Data and image analysis.
Writing scientific publications and participating in international conferences.
Developing professional algorithm coding in C++, supported by specialised training (e.g. C++ courses).

Your Profile

Master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or a related discipline
Object-oriented programming skills (ideally in Python and C++)
Excellent mathematical and data analytics skills
Ability to work independently and be self-motivated, but also have excellent teamwork skills
Experience in medical image processing is advantageous
Experience in C++ programming is advantageous
Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our
Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (65%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
Fixed-term: The position is limited to 3 years
Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: as soon as possible

Salary: EG 13 (65%)

Application Deadline: The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled