Call Reference: 20260731-ATRAE-R1
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
ABOUT CVC
The Computer Vision Center (CVC) is a leading non-profit research center established in 1995 by the Government of Catalunya and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Our mission is to advance frontier research with the highest international impact in the field of computer vision, while fostering the transfer of knowledge and technology to industry and society.
Computer vision is one of the most dynamic areas of artificial intelligence, enabling machines to understand and interpret the visual world. At CVC, we combine scientific excellence with innovation, driving breakthroughs that address real-world challenges.
Over the years, we have built strong collaborations with industry partners worldwide, contributed to transformative technological developments, and supported the creation of successful spin-off companies. By joining CVC, you will become part of an international, multidisciplinary environment where cutting-edge research translates into meaningful impact.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
CONTEXT: Cancer incidence is growing, and so is the arsenal of available oncological treatments. However, only a fraction of patients responds to the therapy. Biomarkers are biological indicators that can allow to identify patients that will, or will not, respond to a particular treatment. But patient selection based on currently available biomarkers often fail to detect responders and non-responders. As a result, most cancer patients are not receiving the right treatment and often only experience the side effects of toxic (and expensive) drugs.
DESCRIPTION: This project proposes the development of an AI-driven computational pathology framework to discover biomarkers from large-scale datasets of cancer patients with clinical, molecular and outcome data available (e.g., survival, cancer recurrence, response to treatment, etc.).
BENEFITS: We expect this framework to learn, discover and deliver novel biomarkers that can improve the way patients are selected in the clinic to receive oncological treatments. This will also advance our understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between multiple types of tissue and cells given a certain type of treatment, with potential impact in clinical practice and cancer research.
This position is linked to the project BIOEURECA: Next-gen biomarker discovery: foundation models for tissue spatial interconnections search, funded through the ATRAE 2025 call of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
Ayuda ATR2025-164629 financiada por MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033
PI & HOSTING GROUP
The successful candidate will join the newly established Computational Pathology Group led by Dr Francesco Ciompi. For scientific enquiries, please contact [email protected]
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work on development of novel vision-language foundation models for the analysis of digital pathology images.
- Develop AI agents that use foundation models for the discovery of biomarkers
- Work in a multidisciplinary team at local and international level, collaborating with AI researchers, engineers and pathologists, to develop and validate your models.
- Contribute to social activities in the group, enjoying your time in the vibrant city of Barcelona while developing yourself as an independent researcher.
- Present the results of your research at (inter)national events and conferences.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are looking for a creative and ambitious researcher with an MSc degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Technical Medicine, Biomedical Sciences or similar, with a clear interest in artificial intelligence and medical image analysis. Good communication and organizational skills are essential.
Experience with deep learning and programming, preferably in Python, are required and should be evident from the (online) courses you've followed, your publications, GitHub account, etc.
We also value if you have notions of computational pathology, and if you already have participated in research projects or academic works related to artificial intelligence. Experience in Agentic AI and Vision-Language Foundation Models will be a plus, but it is not mandatory.
Autonomy, critical thinking, motivation for research and a proficient level of English are also important.
OFFER/CONDITIONS
- The position will be located at Computer Vision Center (Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona).
- We offer a full-time contract (37.5h/week), an enjoyable work environment, international and highly collaborative research environment, flexible working hours, and support to the relocation procedures.
- Duration: 4 years (predoctoral contract).
- Competitive salary according to qualifications, experience and CVC salary policies.
- Expected starting date: Q4, 2026
HOSTING INSTITUTION
Computer Vision Center (CVC), www.cvc.uab.cat
This PhD candidate will join a new Computational Pathology Group in Barcelona, and develop this project at the CVC in close collaboration with the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR, https://vhir.vallhebron.com/en) in the Vall d’Hebron hospital Barcelona Hospital Campus, and keeping a strong connection with the Computational Pathology Group of the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen (Netherlands) (https://www.computationalpathologygroup.eu).
APPLICATIONS PROCEDURE
All applications must be sent through the online form and include a full CV and contact details.
For administrative or technical issues regarding recruitment process, please contact [email protected]
OTM-R STATEMENT
CVC is committed to the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) across all its recruitment processes. In 2015, we were awarded the HR Excellence in Research seal by the European Commission.
