Master’s Thesis Position in Translational Optical Medical Imaging

THE PROJECT

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract accounts for a substantial proportion of the global cancer burden, with GI malignancies representing approximately 25–30% of all cancer cases. A decisive factor in reducing GI cancer mortality is early detection. However, current clinical practice—combining white-light endoscopy with biopsy—lacks sufficient sensitivity for detecting early-stage or subtle lesions.

Importantly, approximately 80–95% of GI cancers originate from epithelial cells within the mucosa. As the superficial inner lining of the GI tract, the mucosa is readily accessible during endoscopy and provides a uniquely favorable optical window for advanced high-resolution imaging technologies. This anatomical accessibility creates a strong opportunity for optical approaches aimed at early, cellular-level detection.

Our ambitious AWS-funded project aims to develop advanced optical endoscopic imaging technology for the early in vivo detection of GI cancers. Specifically, we seek to establish a novel confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) capsule platform capable of high-resolution cellular imaging and molecular imaging directly within the gastrointestinal tract.

CLE is currently the only clinically established endoscopic modality capable of visualizing cellular structures in humans with high contrast. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art CLE systems are fundamentally limited by their small field of view, restricting their role to that of an adjunct tool in routine clinical practice. Through an innovative capsule-based design (see our published patent application WO2025184677A1), we aim to overcome this intrinsic limitation and enable large-area, in vivo tissue imaging at cellular resolution.

By enabling visualization of cellular structures during endoscopy, the proposed technology has the potential to transform endoscopy from a macroscopic inspection technique into a real-time in vivo histology platform. Such a shift could significantly improve early cancer detection—since early-stage malignancies arise at the cellular level and are often invisible under conventional endoscopy—reduce unnecessary biopsies, and accelerate diagnosis.

Beyond structural imaging, the proposed CLE capsule inherently enables in vivo molecular imaging through the detection of fluorescently labeled molecular targets. This approach allows real-time visualization of biomarker expression patterns directly within the mucosal epithelium. Because molecular alterations typically precede morphological changes in early carcinogenesis, molecular imaging offers the possibility of diagnosing disease based on biological activity before structural abnormalities become apparent. Furthermore, molecular characterization during endoscopy may support personalized therapeutic decision-making.

In addition to its clinical relevance, the CLE capsule platform holds substantial scientific potential. It would enable the study of gastrointestinal disease biology in situ, including investigation of the tumor microenvironment in vivo, longitudinal monitoring of disease progression, and analysis of early transformation events at cellular and molecular resolution.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A well-funded Master’s thesis position with a gross annual salary of €25,990, for a maximum duration of 16 months (20 hours/week)

• The thesis will be conducted within the research group of Prof. Wolfgang Drexler and Prof. Rainer Leitgeb (https://mpbmt.meduniwien.ac.at/ueber-uns/forschungsgruppen/leitgeb-drexler-gruppe/) at the Medical University of Vienna (Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering), under the direct supervision of Dr. Qian Li, who has extensive expertise in capsule endoscopy technologies (his latest publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-025-01462-0)

• A unique opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge translational medical imaging technology

• Comprehensive hands-on training in optical system design, system integration, and image processing

• A collaborative and supportive research environment within an internationally recognized team

• Excellent opportunities for both personal and professional development in an inspiring academic setting

THESIS FOCUS

The Master’s thesis will focus on the optomechanical development and validation of a novel confocal endomicroscopy capsule prototype. The main tasks include:

1. Optomechanical design of a prototype capsule system, including:

• Design of optics inside the endoscopic capsule

• Close collaboration and technical communication with an industrial partner for mechanical realization of the capsule

• Set up an optical scanning system to realize optical scanning from the capsule

2. Development of image processing strategies to enhance imaging performance, including:

• Design and validation of algorithms (e.g., Gaussian low-pass filtering, spline interpolation) to suppress fixed-pattern noise and improve image quality

• Validation of the prototype system

• Quantitative assessment of image enhancement performance

3. Experimental validation of the prototype system, including:

• Prototype validation using phantoms (for example fluorescent beads solutions) and fixed dyed cell cultures to characterize the imaging performance (resolutions, imaging depth, imaging area, imaging quality).

We do not expect you to finish these tasks single-handedly. You will work closely with Dr. Qian Li and receive structured guidance throughout the development process. Training in relevant design and simulation software will be provided as needed, enabling you to build both theoretical and practical expertise during the course of the thesis.

YOUR PROFILE

• Enrollment in a Master’s program in Physics, Optics/Photonics/Optical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automatic Control, Computer Science, Robotics, or other related fields.

• Strong interest in cutting-edge technology development and translational medical imaging

• Experience with MATLAB, LabVIEW, or Zemax OpticStudio is advantageous

• Good English communication skills and team spirit

• A structured, goal-oriented, and responsible working style with strong problem-solving motivation

APPLICATIONS

Please submit your application in English by e-mail to:

• Dr. Qian Li, qian.li(at)meduniwien.ac.at

• Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

• Medical University of Vienna

Application documents should include:

• Your curriculum vitae

• A motivation letter

• Further documents as you wish

Thank you.