PostDoc in Optical and Computational Techniques for Retinal Imaging

Join our international research group in Amsterdam for an exciting PostDoc position at the intersection of optics, computational techniques, and biomedicine. Be part of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research advancing retinal imaging.

Your function

Our research focuses on computational imaging for biomedical applications. By integrating advanced numerical methods with customized optical imaging systems, we aim to enhance imaging resolution, reduce costs, and introduce innovative contrast mechanisms. This project seeks to push the boundaries of human retinal imaging, enabling visualization of individual neuronal cells at subcellular resolution. The outcomes have significant potential for advancing ophthalmology and neurology.

We are seeking a motivated PostDoc to play a key role in developing a cutting-edge retinal imaging approach, with a particular focus on data acquisition and image reconstruction. The research will be conducted at VU Amsterdam.

Your Responsibilities

  • develop models to simulate light scattering in biological tissue and reconstruct images through scattering layers
  • experimentally implement and refine novel retinal imaging techniques
  • contribute to the supervision of PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students
  • design and implement software and algorithms for image reconstruction and functional data extraction

As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to showcase your findings at national and international conferences and contribute to publications in relevant journals. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue your own ideas and directions within the project's framework. The position is for a fixed term of two years.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is eager to push the boundaries of retinal imaging. You are an independent thinker with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. 

Requirements:

  • a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, ideally with a background in optics and imaging
  • proficiency in numerical methods and programming, preferably in Python, C/C++, or Matlab
  • enthusiastic interest or experience in medicine, physiology, and biology, with a keen desire to explore optical applications in these domains
  • strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written
  • a creative and experimental mindset, with a willingness to explore novel ideas

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

  • a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of extension exists.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

About the Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering (together with the University of Twente). Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in the valorization of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (on campus), and location AMC), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

To apply, please submit the following documents:

  • a cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation and fit for the position
  • your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • a copy of your PhD certificate or recent academic transcripts
  • at least one recommendation letter
  • if available, a sample of a written report in English

Deadline for the application is the 15th of April 2025. We reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Your function

Our research focuses on computational imaging for biomedical applications. By integrating advanced numerical methods with customized optical imaging systems, we aim to enhance imaging resolution, reduce costs, and introduce innovative contrast mechanisms. This project seeks to push the boundaries of human retinal imaging, enabling visualization of individual neuronal cells at subcellular resolution. The outcomes have significant potential for advancing ophthalmology and neurology.

We are seeking a motivated PostDoc to play a key role in developing a cutting-edge retinal imaging approach, with a particular focus on data acquisition and image reconstruction. The research will be conducted at VU Amsterdam.

Your Responsibilities

  • develop models to simulate light scattering in biological tissue and reconstruct images through scattering layers
  • experimentally implement and refine novel retinal imaging techniques
  • contribute to the supervision of PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students
  • design and implement software and algorithms for image reconstruction and functional data extraction

As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to showcase your findings at national and international conferences and contribute to publications in relevant journals. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue your own ideas and directions within the project's framework. The position is for a fixed term of two years.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is eager to push the boundaries of retinal imaging. You are an independent thinker with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. 

Requirements:

  • a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, ideally with a background in optics and imaging
  • proficiency in numerical methods and programming, preferably in Python, C/C++, or Matlab
  • enthusiastic interest or experience in medicine, physiology, and biology, with a keen desire to explore optical applications in these domains
  • strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written
  • a creative and experimental mindset, with a willingness to explore novel ideas

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

  • a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of extension exists.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

About the Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering (together with the University of Twente). Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in the valorization of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (on campus), and location AMC), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Dr. Dierck Hillmann

Associate Professor

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

To apply, please submit the following documents:

  • a cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation and fit for the position
  • your curriculum vitae (CV)
  • a copy of your PhD certificate or recent academic transcripts
  • at least one recommendation letter
  • if available, a sample of a written report in English

Deadline for the application is the 15th of April 2025. We reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Questions about the vacancy?

Please contact

Dr. Dierck Hillmann

Associate Professor

Application procedure

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