Job VU medisch centrum - Phd-student: the relation between brain atrophy and other pathology in multiple

Your PhD project will focus on the relation between neurodegeneration in the brain and other facets of the pathological changes that occur in MS. By acquiring and analyzing MR images of patients with MS, we aim to increase our understanding concerning the relations between and possible independence of these processes. Your project will investigate
- The MS lesions in the white and gray matter of the brain;
- The integrity of the normal-appearing brain tissue;
- Neurodegeneration, or atrophy, especially of the gray matter;
- The relations of these three facets of brain pathology with each other, and with spinal cord abnormalities.
You will perform these measurements in different groups of patients, including a group with very long disease duration.

You will independently scan the patients using our 3-Tesla MR scanner, and analyze the resulting image data. Structural 3DT1 images will be used to quantify neurodegeneration (atrophy).
You will use diffusion tensor imaging to isolate white matter tracts, and to investigate the integrity of brain tissue. For this latter purpose, you will also use T1 relaxation time mapping.
Finally, you will investigate the anatomical distribution of gray and white matter lesions across the brain, by using lesion probability mapping.

You have a Master's degree or equivalent in one of the Natural Sciences or Technology studies. You are able to work independently, but also to work in a team. You can easily communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary research team consisting of medical doctors, biologists, physicists etc. You can acquire knowledge and expertise about measurement methods that are new to you, and then apply them independently.

If you decide to devote your skills and knowledge by working for VUmc, we are pleased to give you excellent working conditions in return. Whether you have a full - time or part-time position with us, you benefit from many attractive fringe benefits. Examples of our benefits are:
- Year-end bonus; In addition to your salary you will receive an annual year-end bonus of 8.3% of your gross year salary.
- Good pension plan (ABP), the pension is 20% of your gross salary, of which 14% is paid by VUmc.
- Additional Personal budget, this budget is for your own development, i.e. work-life balance, training
and vitality.
- Contribution to your travel expenses. When you use public transport for commuting you get a minimum of 50% reduction on your -subscription.
- Collective discounts on various insurances
- Additional benefits; VUmc employees get discounts at various businesses, restaurants or hotels. For example: Cheap Tickets, Fortis, and Polectro Opticians Pearl Plaza. You are also eligible for discount sports in the gym on the VU campus.

For all our fringe benefits, please visit: http://www.vumc.nl/afdelingen/werk/arbeidsvoorwaarden/

Werken bij VU medisch centrum is werken op academisch niveau, in een informele en open sfeer, met vrijheid en verantwoordelijkheid. Je maakt deel uit van een organisatie waar meer dan zesduizend betrokken en bevlogen medewerkers samen werken aan beter maken en beter worden.

We richten ons op patiëntenzorg, opleidingen en wetenschappelijk onderzoek. Het medisch wetenschappelijk onderzoek VU medisch centrum staat in de top drie van de UMC's. Al die kennis en het toepassen ervan is gericht op beter maken en beter worden. Zo dragen we bij aan de medische kennis van morgen.

Voor meer informatie over VU medisch centrum als werkgever, ga naar: www.vumc.nl/werken.

The MS Center Amsterdam of the VU university medical center is a multidisciplinary center for research in multiple sclerosis (MS). The center has an excellent international reputation in both research and clinical studies and is a proven reliable source of scientific information about MS. Within the center more than 60 researchers of different disciplines cooperate to research the cause of and to develop a cure for MS. The combination of fundamental/basic and clinical research allows us to quickly apply new research developments to the diagnostics and treatment of MS. The MS Center Amsterdam offers young talented researchers an education in the neuroscience of MS from experts with international reputations. The program grant, of which this vacancy is part, will examine the major topic of how neurodegeneration occurs in MS and how to develop therapies of neuroprotection. The grant will support 8 enthusiastic young scientists and clinicians. This prestigious grant is provided by the Dutch MS Research Foundation. This PhD-student will participate in an ambitious team for finding new strategies to treat MS.

Hugo Vrenken