PhD Optimizing patient transition indications through multiparametric sensing

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Electrical Engineering

FTE 1,0

Date off 30/10/2024

Reference number V36.7737

Job description

Are you passionate about developing AI for healthcare? Interested in wearable technology that predicts patient recovery and deterioration? Join us to design a multi-parameter monitoring system, integrate AI into clinical workflows, and evaluate its impact on patient care and staff efficiency in hospitals.

Demographic changes induce an ever-higher burden on the healthcare system. Early detection of complications and diseases and the determination of effective personalized treatments are essential to lower healthcare costs while simultaneously improving patient outcome and quality of life.

To address these challenges, we are seeking a motivated candidate for a PhD position focused on the development and evaluation of an automated multi-parameter monitoring system for ambulatory patients. This role aims to support the optimization of patient transition decisions between different levels of care, while improving staff workflow efficiency.

Key responsibilities include developing a wearable system prototype to (semi-)continuously collect vital signs (e.g., ECG, HR, SpO2, RR, NiBP) and activity data (e.g., acceleration, barometer), deploying it in various hospital settings, and utilizing the collected data to build AI models that predict patient recovery, deterioration, and discharge readiness. The candidate will also investigate the use of activity data to reduce false alarms and address challenges such as alarm fatigue, a barrier to AI adoption in patient care. Additionally, the role involves integrating AI predictions into existing clinical workflows and evaluating the impact of this technology on critical parameters such as hospital length of stay, complication rates, and rehospitalization rates.

The PhD trajectory is part of the “Medical Innovation and Research Advancing Clinical Learning and Excellence (MIRACLE)” project, a large research effort from the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), including 11 parallel projects. The e/MTIC combines an academic partner (TU Eindhoven) with an industrial partner (Philips) and 3 semi-academic hospitals: Máxima Medical Center, Catharina Hospital, and Kempenhaeghe. In particular, this position will be embedded in the Biomedical Diagnostics lab (Signal processing Systems group, Electrical Engineering, TU/e) in close collaboration with the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven and Philips. As a result, temporary relocation at the partners’ sides (Catharina Hospital and Philips) will be considered to facilitate the project progress in its different phases.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Phyisics or related fields.
• Strong background in signal processing, data analysis, and machine learning.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB and Python.
• A research-oriented attitude, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial and clinical partners.
• Strong interest in healthcare applications and solving clinical problems
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxx8oosZf9Q&list=PLgFH4e_2r1xeReuOPs1Cfj4LzmA60KN2p&index=1

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact Simona Turco, Assistant Professor, s.turco@tue.nl .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Transcript of grades from master’s and bachelor’s degree.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.