15 PhD Positions Available in the PREFERENCE Doctoral Network: Europe

Europe continues to attract ambitious researchers through internationally funded doctoral programmes that combine academic excellence with real-world impact. Among the newest opportunities, the 15 PhD Positions Available in the PREFERENCE Doctoral Network: Europe offer outstanding early-career researchers the chance to work on cutting-edge medical imaging technologies while earning a fully funded doctorate. Coordinated by Amsterdam UMC, the PREFERENCE Doctoral Network brings together universities, hospitals, research institutes, and industry partners across Europe under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme. 

This guide explains the programme, eligibility requirements, research themes, application process, and practical strategies to help you prepare a competitive application.

What Is the PREFERENCE Doctoral Network?

The PREFERENCE Doctoral Network is an international research consortium focused on unlocking the potential of Long Axial Field-of-View (LAFOV) PET/CT technology. The project aims to improve disease diagnosis, precision medicine, and patient care by developing advanced imaging methods and clinical applications.

The network offers 15 fully funded PhD positions hosted by leading European universities, hospitals, and research organisations. Each doctoral candidate works on an individual research project while benefiting from international collaboration, secondments, and transferable skills training. The programme operates under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks, one of Europe’s flagship initiatives for doctoral education and researcher mobility. 

Why These PhD Positions Matter

Research in medical imaging is advancing rapidly. New imaging technologies can improve earlier diagnosis and more personalised treatment for many diseases.

The PREFERENCE network provides several important advantages:

• • Fully funded doctoral employment

  • International research experience

  • Access to leading PET/CT research facilities

  • Collaboration with academic and industry experts

  • Cross-disciplinary scientific training

  • International secondments within partner organisations

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  • Professional development beyond traditional doctoral education

Moreover, graduates gain valuable research, communication, innovation, and leadership skills that strengthen careers in academia, healthcare, and industry.

Research Areas Within the PREFERENCE Network

The doctoral projects cover both technical innovation and clinical applications.

Methodological Research

Several PhD projects focus on developing innovative imaging techniques, including:

• • Brain LAFOV PET/CT imaging

  • Image reconstruction

  • Artificial intelligence applications

  • Novel imaging biomarkers

  • Advanced quantitative imaging methods

These projects aim to improve imaging quality while supporting more accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Research

Other doctoral candidates investigate how LAFOV PET/CT can improve patient care in areas such as:

• • Oncology

  • Neurology

  • Precision medicine

  • Disease monitoring

  • Clinical decision support

Consequently, researchers contribute directly to future healthcare innovations. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should carefully review each individual PhD vacancy because specific academic backgrounds differ between projects.

Academic Qualifications

Most applicants should have:

• • A Master’s degree or equivalent

  • Strong academic performance

  • Research experience relevant to the advertised project

  • Excellent English communication skills

Different projects may prefer backgrounds in:

1. 1. Medical imaging

   2. Biomedical engineering

   3. Physics

   4. Computer science

   5. Artificial intelligence

   6. Mathematics

   7. Data science

   8. Biomedical sciences

MSCA Mobility Rule

Because the programme is funded through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, applicants must satisfy the MSCA mobility requirement.

Generally, candidates must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than twelve months during the thirty-six months before recruitment.

Applicants also must not already hold a doctoral degree at the recruitment date. 

Funding and Programme Highlights

The PREFERENCE Doctoral Network provides considerably more than standard doctoral study.

Successful candidates usually receive:

• • Full employment contracts

  • Competitive MSCA salary

  • Mobility allowance

  • Family allowance where applicable

  • International secondments

  • Conference participation

  • Advanced scientific training

  • Career development support

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Salary levels follow the Marie Skłodowska-Curie funding rules and vary slightly depending on the host country’s correction coefficient and employment regulations. 

How to Apply for the PREFERENCE PhD Positions

Preparing a strong application requires careful planning.

Step 1: Review Individual Projects

Visit the official PREFERENCE website and study each advertised doctoral project carefully.

Choose the project that best matches your academic background and research interests.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants typically need:

• • Academic CV

  • Motivation letter

  • Degree certificates

  • Academic transcripts

  • English language evidence if required

  • Contact details for referees

Always follow the instructions provided for each position.

Step 3: Tailor Your Application

Avoid using a generic motivation letter.

Instead:

• • Explain why your background matches the project.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the research topic.

  • Highlight technical and research skills.

  • Show genuine enthusiasm for international collaboration.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Application deadlines vary depending on recruitment schedules.

If future recruitment dates are not announced, monitor the official PREFERENCE recruitment page regularly for updates. 

Tips for International Applicants

International candidates often compete successfully by presenting well-prepared applications.

Consider these practical recommendations:

• • Begin preparing documents early.

  • Keep your academic CV concise and achievement-focused.

  • Include links to publications or GitHub repositories where relevant.

  • Highlight programming, imaging, or laboratory experience.

  • Demonstrate interdisciplinary research interests.

For example, an engineering graduate applying from India can strengthen an application by explaining how previous research connects directly with medical imaging challenges rather than simply listing coursework.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many excellent candidates reduce their chances through avoidable errors.

Avoid these mistakes:

• 1. Submitting generic cover letters.

  2. Ignoring project-specific requirements.

  3. Missing application deadlines.

  4. Overlooking the MSCA mobility rule.

  5. Failing to demonstrate research alignment.

  6. Sending incomplete documentation.

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Attention to detail reflects professional research practice.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The 15 PhD Positions Available in the PREFERENCE Doctoral Network: Europe provide an exceptional opportunity for researchers interested in medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. Beyond earning a doctoral degree, candidates join an international research network that combines academic excellence with practical healthcare innovation.

If your academic background aligns with the advertised projects, begin preparing your application as early as possible. Review the official programme guidelines carefully, tailor every application to the specific research project, and monitor the recruitment portal for future updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)