Current neuroimaging relies widely on BOLD contrast in gradient echo EPI, which is highly sensitive but has a limited spatial specificity. While other imaging approaches, e.g.  VASO, SE-EPI, GRASE, SSFP, have been shown to be more spatially specific, they typically suffer from poorer contrast to noise ratios. At ultra-high field these methods become much more promising. The PhD student will develop, extend and validate these methods for use in neuroscientific studies.

The ideal candidate will hold an MSc or equivalent degree in Physics, Biomedical engineering or related field.

• Skills in mathematics, scientific computing and programming are essential.

• Good oral and written communication skills in English are required.

• Knowledge of NMR/MRI physics is highly desirable.

• The position is ideal for those seeking opportunities to contribute to neuroscience in human subjects.

You will be appointed by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The appointment is in total for 4 years. Initially, the candidate will be appointed for one year followed by an evaluation after which the contracted is extended for another 3 years. Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2222 per month initially, to € 2840 in the fourth year) excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.

NHI - KNAW

The Spinoza Centre (SC) for Neuroimaging is a unique initiative by the Amsterdam neuroscience and cognition community to strengthen its infrastructural base and to serve its frontline research from the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Medical Center, VU university, VU university medical center and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. SC aims to provide deep and mechanistic insights into brain function in health and disease by focussing on the mesoscopic organisation scale that bridges the microscopic (cellular) and macroscopic (brain area) organisation scales of the human brain. SC has a unique focus on and bridging function between cognitive neuroscience, i.e. the neural mechanisms underlying human cognition and behaviour, and clinical neuroscience, i.e. the neural mechanisms underlying diseases and disorders of the human brain. The SC offers a resourceful and stimulating scientific environment. The SC houses 3T and 7T whole-body Philips scanners that are fully dedicated to research.

See http://www.spinozacentre.nl for more information on the research of the Spinoza Centre and its partners.