Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries is responsible for life threatening cerebrovascular events such as stroke. However, current clinical practice to predict future cerebrovascular events does not involve carotid plaque rupture risk, as no reliable risk assessment tools exist.

Plaque rupture is a mechanical event, where plaque tissue fails to bear the mechanical loading exerted by blood pressure and loses structural integrity. Hence, biomechanics holds great potential to provide us with plaque rupture risk stratification tools. A major research line in the Biomechanics Laboratory of Erasmus Medical Center is atherosclerotic plaque rupture mechanics, with the specific goals of understanding plaque rupture mechanisms, identifying biomechanical rupture fingerprints and developing clinical tools for rupture risk assessment.

Within the scope of a recently EU-granted research project, we are investigating carotid plaque rupture using the combination of experimental mechanical fingerprinting, biomechanical modelling and ultrasound strain imaging in an ex-vivo setup. The PhD student will participate in this research line by focusing on the clinical translation of the findings from the ex-vivo laboratory work.

The PhD project will involve developing non-invasive, ultrasound based clinical carotid plaque imaging techniques; generating patient-specific biomechanical plaque models; and biomechanical characterization of carotid plaques from different patient groups.

We are looking for candidates with an MSc degree in Technical Medicine, Medical Engineering or a closely related discipline or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) with strong technical background. Experience in patient studies and ultrasound and/or clinical imaging for biomedical applications is preferred. The research project should result in a PhD thesis.

Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment.

The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 2.903,- (scale OIO), depending on your level of education and relevant experience and based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

Erasmus MC

A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (Thorax Center) is a group of 40 researchers performing highly innovative research in cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. We focus on fundamental and translational research in cardiovascular biomechanics, cardiovascular imaging and image processing.