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 and the Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4) is developing innovative reconstruction algorithms and methods to correct factors that impact the quantitative accuracy of PET images. Our recent research has focused on dual‑tracer PET imaging, which enables two metabolic processes to be displayed at once. During image reconstruction, the signals of both tracers are separated. One challenge 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.

Job Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop professional algorithm coding in C++ with specialized training (e.g. C++ courses).

Qualifications

• 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, self‑motivated, and have excellent teamwork skills.
• Experience in medical image processing is advantageous.
• Experience in C++ programming is advantageous.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Benefits

• You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe.
• Access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work.
• Participation in international conferences and project meetings to build your scientific network.
• Continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor accompanying your doctoral studies.
• Flexible working hours to help you balance professional and personal life; option of flexible working location primarily after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and on‑site appointments.
• 30 days of annual leave.
• Support for professional development, e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS).
• Comprehensive health management programme including beach volleyball, running groups, yoga classes and more; access to company medical service and social counselling team on site.
• Campus in the countryside for collegial exchange and sporting activities; cafeteria offers a wide range of options with a lake view.
• Structured training and support from the very beginning, including Welcome Days and Welcome Guide.
• Fair remuneration: classified according to pay group 13 (65%) of the TVöD‑Bund; special Christmas bonus amounting to 60% of one month’s salary.

Additional Information

• Fixed term: 3 years.
• Support for international employees: International Advisory Service.

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 realise their potential is important to us.

Additional resources on diversity and equal opportunities:

Benefits details:

Support for women:

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