We are looking for a highly motivated, curiosity-driven, independent, and experienced Postdoctoral Researcher to join our research team to create innovative tools that will improve the applicability and accessibility of imaging technologies for patients with rheumatic diseases.
Patients at risk of or diagnosed with arthritis are constantly assessed by various imaging techniques including x-ray, MRI and ultrasound to document the onset or progression of their disease. However, despite their impressive abundance and resolution, these images lack the analysis and interpretation tools necessary to deliver unbiased and precise diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis to the patients. Additionally, some key advanced imaging methodologies such as ultrasound are hardly accessible to most patients, urging improvements to more accessible imaging methods.
The project aims to generate tools to transform unstructured images into quantitative biomarkers using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models, and validate them clinically for their diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic power.
The successful applicant will be funded by and work collaboratively within the recently launched AutoPiX Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) consortium (https://www.autopix-project.eu/), a collaborative group built on multi-disciplinarity and the constant synergistic interaction of all the actors of arthritis care: rheumatologists, radiologists, patients, researchers, regulators, industries and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This work will be conducted within the Rheumatology Imaging Group at the Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna under the supervision of Peter Mandl, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical and Epidemiological Research in close collaboration with Georg Langs, Professor and Head of the Computational Imaging Research Lab at the Medical University of Vienna.
Your Tasks
Coordinate the transfer of peripheral x-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance images of arthritis patients from academic and industry partners to the AutoPiX data lake/research platform provided by our partner Collective Minds Radiology.
Manage and implement the identification, segmentation and annotation of peripheral x-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance images of arthritis patients.
Work on or assist in developing ML models for assessing and predicting inflammatory and structural changes on x-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI images of peripheral joints in arthritis patients.
Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team within the Division of Rheumatology at MUW and the international AutoPiX Consortium to create new analysis and decision tools for the imaging of patients with rheumatic diseases.
Moderate and guide regular meetings, both online and onsite, to develop the project and strengthen our collaborations with our partners.
Build on the original proposal by establishing holistic collaborations to reach the AutoPiX project’s aims and beyond (including developing new approaches).
Mentor & co-supervise junior members of the team (e.g. PhD students and Master students) on machine learning and related aspects.
Your Opportunity
Leverage a central coordination position within a European consortium and develop an international research network. As the project progresses, opportunities will arise to develop your own funding applications and research line in collaboration with the group.
Present your work at national and international meetings.
Work in a highly collaborative, translational and international team of researchers, including clinicians, statisticians and methodologists.
Live in Vienna, one of the world’s most livable cities.
Your Profile
You already have a PhD and at least three years of postdoctoral experience.
You have proven experience and interest in data analysis.
You have proven experience and interest in segmenting and annotating biomedical images.
You have proven experience and interest in developing and testing ML models in biomedical imaging.
You are independent, curious and eager to think creatively to solve challenges and reach the aims of the project and beyond.
You are accurate and diligent in your scientific work and its documentation.
You are a natural communicator and are eager to collaborate in an interdisciplinary team both locally and internationally. You have experience in supervising team members.
You have a publication record in a relevant field (Imaging, Biomarkers, Artificial Intelligence or another relevant biomedical area) and/or experience in relevant industry are advantageous.
Our Offer
Close collaboration with a multidisciplinary international team, providing valuable training in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication.
Constant opportunities to develop your network with both academic and industry partners.
Access to our research environment with state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies.
Access to the AutoPiX consortium with multiple opportunities for collaboration and networking.
Participation in meetings, seminars, and workshops, offering exposure to the latest research in the field.
As one of the world's leading medical research institutions, the Medical University of Vienna offers a top-tier, international scientific environment in the heart of Vienna, featuring excellent infrastructure and diverse opportunities for career development and collaboration. Additionally, employees benefit from the comprehensive social benefits, flexible working hours, and occupational health management of a highly renowned public institution.
Application
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your CV, motivation letter and potential start date to: peter.mandl@meduniwien.ac.at (Deadline: 15.09.2026)